More than 100 officers to police Orange march

FIFE: Force issue warning ahead of Cowdenbeath walk to be headed by DUP leader Arlene Foster

More than 100 police officers are to be drafted in to man an Orange Order march in Fife headed by DUP leader Arlene Foster.

Beefed-up security arrangements have been made by Police Scotland for the parade on Saturday in Cowdenbeath.

A stern warning was also issued by the force that sectarian behaviour would not be tolerated.

Around 4,000 marchers are expected to take part in the annual Battle of the Boyne anniversary celebration for the east of Scotland.

Mrs Foster, who struck a controversial deal to prop up Theresa May’s government, is due to give a speech ahead of the parade, in which she is expected to speak out against sectarianism and prejudice.

There was outrage earlier this month when it was revealed Mrs Foster, who was Northern Ireland first minister until the collapse of the Stormont powersharing agreement, was to attend.

Former Scottish Parliament presiding officer Tricia Marwick said she was “ashamed” the event was taking place in her home town and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie warned Foster should “tread with care” in Scotland’s different political environment.

Cowdenbeath is hosting the annual march, one of Scotland’s largest, for the County Grand Lodge of the East of Scotland.

It will be one of two Orange Order walks in the town on Saturday, with a second to set off at 6pm.

Police arrangements for the walk were outlined at a meeting of Cardenden Community Council.

Cowdenbeath councillor Alex Campbell said: “The police have drafted in extra cover for the walk.

“Hopefully the event will pass without incident.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We work closely with our partners to make sure that the appropriate resources are put in place to facilitate lawful marches and ensure minimal disruption to the public. “We will not tolerate any sort of sectarian or unlawful behaviour and anyone who is found to be involved in criminality will be robustly dealt with.”

The parade will start at 1.15pm from Beath High School playing fields following a public meeting from noon.

Several roads will close for the procession – Foulford Road, Old Perth Road, High Street, Sinclair Drive, Westburn Avenue and Broad Street. Bus services are being diverted between 12.30pm and 3.30pm and further delays are expected for an hour from 6pm, due to road closures for the second parade.

Marches are also to be held by the Loyal Orange Lodge in Dunfermline, Ballingry and Kirkcaldy on Saturday morning.

Cowdenbeath is hosting the annual Orange march, one of Scotland’s largest, for the County Grand Lodge of the East of Scotland.