Mixed feelings over Orange Order parade through Falkirk

The massive parade, which sets off from Callendar House at 1.15pm, will feature members of 74 lodges and 50 bands who will wind their way through town centre streets, including High Street, Kirk Wynd, Vicar Street and Grahams Road.

Opinion was divided over the potential positive and negative aspects of such a large event.

One business owner said: “It’s probably going to kill us for the day. It’s going to be a really slow day for us. I think the parade will bring a lot of people into the town, but just as many will stay away because of it.

“People came in here last weekend and they thought the parade was happening on that day and they said they were getting away from the town before it started because they didn’t want to get caught up in it.”

Another trader said the businesses who would benefit the most from the event were the fast food outlets like McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

“Saturday is usually really busy for us, but I don’t know if people will avoid coming up the town because of the parade. Even the traffic issues alone could be enough to put people off.”

Organisers the Grand Lodge of Scotland say they have been working with Police Scotland and Falkirk Council to ensure traffic disruption during the parade is minimal and signs and stewards will be on hand to inform people of alternative routes.