A CHARITY has turned down a donation from a flute band which hopes to lead an Orange Order walk through an Aberdeenshire town.
Stonehaven RNLI refused the donation of £850 from Pride of the Rock after it was realised the band paid tribute to members of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), the Press and Journal reported. The UVF is currently considered a terrorist organisation by the UK Government.
One MSP said they were "not surprised" that the charity rejected the donation and called the move "a clumsy attempt by the Orange Order to try to change the minds of the people of the north east".
Aberdeenshire Council had determined that the parade in Stonehaven could have been a threat to safety and community life, and had concerns over undue strain on the police force so blocked the event.
READ MORE: Orange Order march: Scottish court to hear appeal ahead of walk date
However, the band could still lead the parade as an appeal is due to take place at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday. If successful, the parade could take place on March 16.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “The RNLI looks at donations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with our donation acceptance policy.
“On this occasion the decision has been made to refuse the donation.”
The charity's donation acceptance policy specify that it should not welcome donations from “an individual or company connected to activities which have led to the loss or serious harm of life.”
One tribute to the UVF's former commander in Scotland, William Campbell, described him as a “leader of our community”. Campbell was a convicted terrorist and was responsible for bombings which left five people injured in Glasgow in 1979.
He was also connected to a bombing in Belfast in 1971 which killed 15 people.
READ MORE: Orange Order march: Scottish businesses to close if Orange walk approved
The band, based in Dumbarton, responded on social media, stating: “We’ve a lot to say about the Stonehaven situation.
“It can wait until after the judgment. Believe, we dare not boast. Believe, we do not fear.”
Kevin Stewart, the SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, commented: “I am not surprised that after viewing the sectarian content of this band’s website the RNLI said ‘thanks, but no thanks' to their offer.
“This was a clumsy attempt by the Orange Order to try to change the minds of the people of the north east so they can march in our area.
“However, in their droves, the people of our corner of Scotland have made it quite clear that they do not want to see any sectarian marches.”
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