Dumbarton 'Orange' march row rumbles on

Jenny Foulds • Published 22 Sep 2009 15:29

THE argument between the council and the Grand Black Chapter of Scotland - which held a controversial march through Dumbarton - has taken another twist.

West Dunbartonshire Council has now been accused of conducting "a war of attrition" against the religious order in a bid to prevent it marching through Dumbarton last month.

During a legal battle over the walk, the authority claimed that it had not been given notification of the Chapter's plan to parade until May this year.

But the Chapter has released a letter from WDC's chief executive, David McMillan, to MP John McFall, referring to the event, a month earlier.

A Chapter leader now claims the council knew about the march in September 2008.

The Chapter, which is linked to the Orange Order, says this shows the council was dead set against the march from the outset, and is the basis of a formal complaint against WDC.

In a leaked letter, dated April 23 this year, Mr McMillan appears to make reference to the walk.

The council's top lawyer, Andrew Fraser, had said that the reason for its delay in meeting to discuss the march - just days before it was due to take place - was partly down to only being notified of it on May 19.

John McMaster, organiser of the Chapter, states: "Sadly, we are of the opinion that WDC, through both elected members and council officers, conducted a war of attrition against the wish of the Black Chapter to stage its anniversary celebrations in Dumbarton.

"This campaign culminated in the decision of WDC to issue a prohibition order in respect of the procession which was only quashed through this organisation lodging a successful appeal in Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

"The whole question of timing impacted on the sheriff's judgement.

"We are firmly of the opinion that the learned sheriff was misinformed by the legal advisers acting on behalf of WDC in as much as we submitted an original application for a procession in September 2008."

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 22 Sep 09

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