Stonehaven’s business community finds itself in a precarious position, with many traders expressing concerns over the recent approval for an Orange Order march through the Aberdeenshire town, leading to claims to the P&J that they have been “scared into silence.”
The procession, organised by the Dunnottar Martyrs Loyal Orange Lodge 1685, is scheduled for June 27, with participants assured by the Orange Order that residents have “absolutely nothing to fear.”
The decision by Aberdeenshire Council’s licensing sub-committee to greenlight the parade comes two years after a similar application by the lodge was rejected by local councillors and subsequently upheld by Aberdeen Sheriff Court following an appeal.
That previous attempt in 2024 sparked significant local opposition, drawing over 10,000 petition signatures and more than 100 formal objections to the council. During that period, businesses that spoke out reportedly faced a barrage of “horrible comments” and fake online reviews, with one trader recalling to the P&J that their establishment endured “online attacks.”
The renewed apprehension among local enterprises is palpable. Out of more than 15 town centre businesses surveyed, none were willing to be identified, fearing potential repercussions.
“That’s why I wouldn’t want my name linked to this,” stated one trader, who described the upcoming march as “ridiculous” and asserted there was “no place for it” in Stonehaven. Another expressed sadness at the council’s decision, claiming the march “encourages division.”
The Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland, a Protestant fraternal order with deep historical roots, particularly in Ulster and Scotland, maintains that the parade will be a “peaceful and respectful procession.” The organisation highlighted that its “right to demonstrate was once again recognised” and expressed satisfaction that the committee “has upheld the right of freedom of peaceful public assembly.”
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The procession, commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, a pivotal event in Orange Order history, is expected to involve around 70 participants. It will proceed from Stonehaven’s centre to Dunnottar Castle, a historic site notably used as a prison for Covenanters in 1685. The Orange Order assures the march will pass any given point in under five minutes.
Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, local authorities are mandated to balance the right to peaceful assembly with community impact. While Police Scotland indicated no “credible intelligence” suggesting likely public disorder for the upcoming event, they acknowledged “significant community concerns” and confirmed ongoing monitoring of the situation. The Stonehaven Community Council unanimously opposed the latest application, reflecting widespread local sentiment.
The economic implications for small, independent businesses in towns like Stonehaven are a key consideration. While public processions can sometimes boost local trade, disruptions and negative perceptions can lead to closures and financial strain, especially when community tensions are high. The previous instance saw businesses collectively consider closing their doors, indicating the tangible impact such events can have on local commerce.
