GOLS Official Statement

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland is deeply concerned by the offensive sectarian graffiti vandalising St. Joseph’s Primary School in Busby. We fully support the condemnation of this act and stand against all forms of sectarianism as we continue to build cross community relations.

However, we are astounded that Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw has chosen to highlight this incident while remaining silent on the repeated sectarian attacks on Orange Halls, statues, and Protestant churches across Scotland. Like all political parties in Holyrood, the Conservative Party has long been aware of such vandalism yet has failed to address it in the Scottish Parliament.

Where were the voices of our MSPs when Orange Halls in New Stevenson, Govan, Paisley, and Springburn were targeted? Where was the outcry when our Grand Lodge Chaplain suffered a brutal sectarian assault, leaving him battered and bruised? The silence from our elected representatives is deafening, and time and again, attacks on the Protestant community receive little to no attention or support.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland would like to publicly express its gratitude to Sancta Familia for their support of the Protestant community in condemning the recent sectarian attack in New Stevenson. In a statement shared on Facebook, Sancta Familia voiced their shock and anger at the vandalism of a local Orange Hall, calling it a "disgusting display." They also criticised the use of the Irish Tricolour in the act, noting that the flag symbolises peace between Catholics and Protestants, making its use in this context particularly inappropriate. Emphasising that every individual has the right to live without fear of vandalism or violence, they urged the wider community to stand against such actions. The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland appreciates this public condemnation and the support shown during this troubling time.

We also question why the First Minister offered to visit St. Joseph’s Primary following this incident but did not extend the same concern to the Orange Halls that have been vandalised and attacked. Why is that? Is there a two-tier approach to criminal damage and hatred being enacted here in Scotland? 

The "One Scotland, Many Cultures" campaign seeks to challenge racist attitudes and their impact on individuals and communities. However, it appears this principle is not applied equally when it comes to the Protestant community.

We call on Scotland’s political leaders to meet with us and take urgent action to address the growing issue of anti-Protestant hatred, which is spreading across the country. We demand concrete measures to tackle this rising intolerance and ensure the safety and respect of our community. We look forward to engaging with all political parties to combat sectarianism in all its forms and to make it clear that intolerance has no place in Scotland.

Andrew Murray

Most Worthy Grand Master 

End of statement