Orange Order parades take place in Glasgow and Coatbridge
Orange Order parades take place in Glasgow and Coatbridge
(1 day later)
Up to 20,000 marchers have been taking part in annual Orange Order parades in Glasgow and Coatbridge.
Up to 20,000 marchers took part in annual Orange Order parades in Glasgow and Coatbridge.
Ahead of the events, marchers, followers and spectators were urged to leave "booze and bad behaviour behind".
About 125 parades joined with two main parades in Glasgow and Lanarkshire. Marchers, followers and spectators had been urged to leave "booze and bad behaviour behind".
Police Scotland said it would target the "minority of people" who attend the Boyne parades "intent on drinking to excess and causing disorder".
Police Scotland said 46 people were arrested for minor disorder offences.
Grand Master of the Orange Order, Henry Dunbar, asked participants to behave with the "utmost decorum".
Half of the arrests took place in Glasgow and the same number were charged at the Coatbridge event.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said Saturday's parades meant two of the largest events in the Orange Order calendar were taking place in the west of Scotland.
Ahead of the event, Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said sectarian behaviour or "any form of hate crime" would not be tolerated.
In total, about 125 parades were joining with two main parades in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
Henry Dunbar, the Grand Master of the Orange Order, said the organisation and the police were "working well together" to ensure that parades ran smoothly.
"My priority is to make sure all the events pass off peacefully whilst ensuring the safety of those taking part, the general public and officers," Assistant Chief Constable Mawson said.
"Our parades are a celebration of our heritage, not an excuse for anyone to criticise anyone else's faith or beliefs," he said.
"Our message is clear; by all means come to support the parade but behave and be respectful," he said.
He said sectarian behaviour or "any form of hate crime" would not be tolerated.
"As most people should be aware by now, drinking in public is banned; don't risk it as officers will seize it from you and you will be given a fixed penalty notice for street drinking," he added.
'March responsibly'
Mr Dunbar said the Orange Order and the police were "working well together" to ensure that parades ran smoothly.
"We once again call upon every member of the Orange Order to enjoy the day with the utmost decorum," he said.
"Our parades are a celebration of our heritage, not an excuse for anyone to criticise anyone else's faith or beliefs.
"I also have a message to the members of the public who are not members of the order but choose to come along and support our parades: you are welcome, but please enjoy the music, colour and excitement of the march responsibly - alcohol on the streets is not permitted or wanted."
Police also asked drivers to allow extra time for journeys or to avoid the area if possible during the events.
