Parade organisers warned to follow rules on displaying flags

Protecting the public

- by Marie Sharp

A parade in Musselburgh last October saw Union Jacks and Saltires attached to lamp posts across the town centre without permission

Parade organisers have been warned they could be banned from East Lothian if they do not follow the rules under a new policy covering future events.

The Public Processions and Parades Policy gives East Lothian Council officers the right to introduce special conditions or even bar events if they feel it could put public safety at risk.

It comes after a parade in Musselburgh last October saw Union Jacks and Saltires attached to lamp posts across the town centre without permission.

The flags were later identified as being put up as part of the annual William Buchanan Memorial Parade organised by Musselburgh True Defenders and were taken down after the event.