SECTARIAN tensions of the past should no longer be an obstacle to holding a St Patrick’s Day parade in Glasgow, according to a bilateral Government group.
As hundreds of thousands of Irish people in cities across Britain gear up for the annual March 17 festivities, The British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) has called for the Scottish Government to recognise its Irish community.
BIPA, who meet this week in Dublin, also called on Glasgow City Council to bring together representatives from the police, community groups and local authorities to help do more to celebrate Irish identity and culture.
Chair of the Assembly’s Environment and Social committee Lord Alf Dubs, said: “We were surprised to find that the Irish communities in Scotland appear to be in many ways in a different position to Irish communities in the rest of the UK. For example the fear of community tensions has meant that there is no St Patrick’s Day parade in Glasgow, a cultural tradition and celebration that is peacefully enjoyed in many areas including far beyond the UK.”
When contacted by The Irish Post Glasgow Police did not raise any specific concerns about a St Patrick’s Day parade taking place in the city, adding that no such event was planned for this month.
The spokesperson said: “There are currently no events I am aware of taking place for St Patrick’s Day but any large scale event that takes place will be policed appropriately.”
For the last four years a St Patrick’s Day festival has taken part in Merchant Square in Glasgow city centre.
Edinburgh Castle will also go green for St Patrick’s Day – joining other landmarks across the world being lit up by tourism Ireland to mark Ireland’s celebration of its patron saint.
Pat Bourne, the Irish Consul General in Scotland said the current Irish story in Scotland was “overwhelmingly positive”.
“Irish people are more valued and respected within Scottish society than ever before and Irish people in Scotland are more self-confident than ever before and feel more empowered to stand tall and celebrate their identity and culture than they have been in the past,” he said.
“The story of the Irish community in Scotland is an overwhelmingly positive one at the moment with the developments in Northern Ireland and the political relationship helping.”
Mr Bourne, who spent his first official St Patrick’s Day in Scotland last year, added: “I was here for St Patrick’s Day last year and it was my first one to be in Scotland for. I was at a number of events in Glasgow and it a major festival – a great family day and a really excellent celebration.”
His comments are echoed by Danny Boyle, who works for BEMIS, Scotland’s umbrella body for the representation of ethnic minorities.
“It is great that at the relevant time of St Patrick’s week all of these identities combine to celebrate and reflect on Ireland’s history and future,” he said. “The St Patrick’s festivities have went from strength to strength in Scotland over the last 15 to 20 years and we wish everyone involved all the best of luck and a great festive period.”
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