Parade switched after disorder fears

Ricky Gray voiced fears over the route

Organisers have agreed to reroute a Protestant parade after senior police officers voiced fears that it could spark "serious public disorder".

The marchers originally sought permission to walk down Glasgow's Gallowgate on Saturday evening.

Ricky Gray, the assistant chief constable of Strathclyde Police, said that part of the route gave him "very grave concern".

He wrote to the city council's public processions committee asking members to impose conditions which would take the march away from the Gallowgate and Moir Street area.

"It is my reasonable belief that in the absence of such a condition being imposed there may be serious public disorder, damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community," he said.

Alternative route

An emergency meeting had been due to take place on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the application.

However, a council spokeswoman said the meeting had been called off after organisers agreed to an alternative route suggested by the police.

Marchers will now walk down the Saltmarket and along the edge of Glasgow Green.

The application was lodged by the Rising Star of Bridgeton Royal Black Preceptory 672, which will be accompanied by the Thornliebank Pride of the Village Flute Band.

We had a meeting last night when we readily agreed to follow the wishes of the Glasgow police Malcolm Campbell Royal Black registrar

Royal Black registrar Malcolm Campbell said: "We are a Christian organisation and we do not wish to go against police advice.

"We are law-abiding and of course we are community-minded and we don't wish to cause trouble anywhere.

"But I am sorry that it went as far as it did. We are a democratic organisation and we had a meeting last night when we readily agreed to follow the wishes of the Glasgow police."

Mr Gray said: "The applicant has contacted Strathclyde Police and has agreed to the proposed change of route.

"A fresh application has been submitted which includes the change and as such the need for the council to review the application is no longer necessary."

Mr Gray had written to the committee warning that the Gallowgate area was likely to be busy with Celtic fans returning to the city after the first game of the football season on Saturday.