Public processions, marches and demonstrations

Organisers of parades have a legal right to parade and do not have to complete an application for a permit or apply for a licence.

Organisers are however required to provide us with a "notice of their intention" to march.

Parades can only be prohibited if Police Scotland object and evidence of the likelihood of threats to public safety or serious public disorder, otherwise parades may go ahead.

Police Scotland monitor all parades and if there is evidence of public disorder we will take this into account when future public procession notifications are being considered.

If you wish to be advised of public procession notifications in your area or a specific area please complete the public processions updates request form.

We must examine all the factors before deciding whether it would be appropriate to prevent a procession or put conditions on it. We need to make sure that any restrictions placed on a procession can be justified and do not affect the rights of those who want to march.

Decisions are taken by a sub-group of the Licensing Committee or the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources in consultation with the Head of Administration and Legal Services.