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Four hit with ‘air weapon pellets’ during Orange Order procession


By PA News



Police are investigating after four people taking part in an Orange Order walk were hit with what are believed to be air weapon pellets.

The procession was passing along Sauchiehall Street near Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow when the incident happened on Saturday.

Police said no-one was seriously injured but condemned the “dangerous occurrence” and said investigations were continuing.

Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire on Saturday.

We are investigating an incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were struck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan

The parades were part of celebrations for the County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow and Orange Lodges in Lanarkshire to remember the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

In Glasgow, thousands of participants marched from different parts of the city and converged in the centre for a parade to Glasgow Green before returning to where they started later in the day.

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, event commander for the annual Boyne processions in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, said: “Police in Lanarkshire made four arrests following the Orange Order procession on Saturday July 5 2025.

“The offences were primarily for breach of the peace and acts of anti-social behaviour.

A proportionate policing plan was in place, and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and reduce disruption to the wider community
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan

“There were no arrests at the event in Glasgow, however, we are investigating an incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were struck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets.

“Thankfully, no-one was seriously injured and our enquiries into this dangerous occurrence are ongoing.

“A proportionate policing plan was in place, and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and reduce disruption to the wider community.

“I would like to thank the vast majority of the participants, and the wider community, who engaged positively and behaved responsibly throughout.”

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland later released a statement condemning the “alarming” suspected air weapon incident and expressing “deep concern”.

It stated: “This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members.

“The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily.

“We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members.

“The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice.”

Parades took place in Glasgow on Saturday (PA)
Parades took place in Glasgow on Saturday (PA)

Minister for victims and community safety Siobhian Brown said the Scottish Government will meet with Grand Orange Lodge representatives for discussions.

She said: “It is deeply concerning that anyone would seek to attack a public march and put those taking part, as well as spectators and the wider public, at risk.

“Ministers condemn behaviour of this kind against any individual or organisation, for which there can be no justification whatsoever.

“The Scottish Government fully supports Police Scotland to take appropriate action following its investigation and will shortly meet with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge to hear their concerns.”

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