Grand Orange Lodge Stonehaven parade ban appeal due on Friday

A court appeal by the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland over a council decision to block a parade in Stonehaven is due to take place on Friday, it has been announced.

The planned march for Saturday - to mark the opening of a new orange lodge in the area - was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.

However an appeal is now scheduled to be heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

If successful, the event could still take place the following day.

Last week's council vote to stop the event came as an online petition calling for the march to be cancelled received thousands of signatures.

Some residents said they were concerned it would bring public disorder and force local shops and pubs to shut for the day.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland said that if it won the appeal it planned to proceed with what has been described as a "peaceful and respectful procession" on Saturday.

About 200 people were expected to take part in the procession, led by the Pride of the Rock flute band from Dumbarton.