The right to march is a powerful visible sign of a robust democracy. But Scottish Ministers recognise that with those rights come responsibilities. That is a balance that must be struck, particularly as many believe that balance has been lost in recent years.
Sir John Orr's Review of Marches and Parades in Scotland paved the way for the enhanced structure that has been enshrined in legislation so marches and parades can be properly notified, planned for and discussed in advance. The new legislation in the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 will come into effect from 1 April 2007.
Publication of Guidance and Report of the Working Group on Marches and Parades