Inverclyde's Provost offers 'unreserved apology' over Gourock Orange walk column

INVERCLYDE’S Provost has offered an ‘unreserved apology’ after a column he penned about an upcoming Orange walk in Gourock sparked major controversy.

Remarks which councillor Drew McKenzie made in his Tele Provost column about the 3,000-strong march were described as ‘ill-judged’ by Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe.

The ward two representative described the ‘gallous swagger’ of those participating in this Saturday’s procession and described the event as a ‘spectacle’.

An anti-sectarian group told national media outlets yesterday that the provost’s column used terms such as ‘Tim’ and ‘Proddy’ that would not ease community tensions.

READ MORE: Alba Party candidate responds to Gourock Orange walk council vote

The under-fire councillor has now apologised for the language used in the column and acknowledged that certain terms were ‘not at all appropriate’.

He told the Telegraph: “I was told many years ago by a well-respected, now former, councillor that when it comes to Orange Order marches to do nothing.

“Do not support, do not oppose, just let it happen. Good advice that I should have adhered to.

“To write my column on such an emotive subject in an attempt to be humorous was very much an error of judgement on my part.

“I would also acknowledge that my use of certain language, particularly in the vernacular, was not at all appropriate.

“I would therefore offer my unreserved apology to any that I have offended.”

Provost Drew McKenzie

David Scott, director of the anti-sectarian group Nil by Mouth, told national media outlets the organisation had been made aware of the article by people in Gourock and had contacted the provost to arrange a meeting.

He said: “We would like to discuss his motivation for writing in such a manner.

“Parades are a deeply emotional and often controversial issue, and it is paramount that those making decisions understand both the sensitivities and concerns which swirl around them.

"Language is crucial and articles like this bring nothing positive to the situation.”

The column came after Inverclyde Council’s general purposes board gave the go-ahead at a recent meeting.

The plan for the gathering, which will feature around 30 flute bands, attracted more than 40 public objections.

Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “I don’t believe the provost intended to cause offence to anyone or any group. He is not that type of person.

“He was I believe trying to use humour to explain the challenges faced by councillors on the General Purposes Board in coming to a decision on a highly contentious issue.

“Having spoken to the provost, he accepts that in hindsight the column was ill-judged, and he is sorry for any unintended offence he may have caused.”