The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland Calls Out SNP Government Over Continued Disregard for Protestant Community

On the 6th of May, the Executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland wrote to the First Minister of Scotland requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the escalating and deeply concerning rise in anti-Protestant hate across the country. One month on, we have received no response from the First Minister. This blatant silence is both disgraceful and unacceptable.

We are appalled and angered by the SNP administration’s decision to ignore our legitimate request to meet with the First Minister to raise the concerns of the Protestant community in Scotland. Is this the strategy of the Scottish Government to silence and sideline our voice and pretend we do not exist?

To add further insult, on the 6th of June, well beyond the 20-day response window set by the Scottish Government, we received a letter from MSP Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, stating she would not meet with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge. This is yet another example of clear discrimination and disregard for Scotland’s Protestant population.

Let us be clear — the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland is the only organised voice standing up for Scotland’s Protestant community. Where are our church leaders? Who else is standing up for our community and giving us a voice in the corridors of power in Edinburgh? This continued neglect from the Scottish Government must not and will not go unchallenged anymore.

While the Government now offers meetings with “officials,” this is nothing more than a box-ticking exercise and a shameful attempt to pacify us. Had this request come from any other faith group or community, a meeting with the First Minister would have been arranged without delay.

We, the Executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, will not be silenced. We will continue to demand action, respect, and engagement. The time for lip service is over. The time to act is now — and we urge our community to remember this betrayal when they next stand at the ballot box.

Andy Murray

Most Worthy Grand Master 

Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland.