Orange parades 'pass peacefully'

Thousands of marchers have taken part in "peaceful" annual Orange Order parades.

Police said the marches in Glasgow and Lanarkshire passed peacefully.

They had previously warned that bigoted behaviour and drinking in public would "not be tolerated" during the events to mark the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Organisers said that 12,000 marchers from all over the UK and Ireland took part in a parade in Glasgow, with a similar number in Larkhall.

In the city, 182 lodges and 92 bands snaked through the city centre to Glasgow Green, where a rally was held.

Ian Wilson, grand master of the Orange Order, said: "It has gone very well, though it was a bit chilly.

"There was a very good atmosphere and there was a big number of people spectating, with nice family groups which is always good to see."

In Larkhall 123 lodges and 98 bands took part.

Police had warned they would make full use of anti-social behaviour fixed penalty tickets to tackle drinking in public, a move which was endorsed by the Orange Order.

Strathclyde Police said there had not been any major disorder, and that the event had gone fairly smoothly.

The marches, commonly referred to as the Orange Walk, are celebrations which mark Prince William of Orange's victory over King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.