AROUND 3,000 people are expected to take part in an Apprentice Boys of Derry march in Dunfermline city centre next weekend.

Organisers say the event is likely to bring "significant economic value" to the area with many hotels already booked out for the occasion.

The Relief of Derry Parade, hosted by Kingdom of Fife No Surrender, will take place on Saturday, June 3.

Motorists have been warned of traffic disruption for the parade which will set out from the Public Park at May.

Dunfermline Press:

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A spokesperson for the event said: "The Apprentice Boys of Derry is a historical organisation commemorating the siege of Londonderry from 1688 to 1689. The parade's significance in Dunfermline is to commemorate the relief of the siege, the longest siege in British History.

"The Scottish Amalgamated Committee looks after the Branch Clubs in Scotland, and in rotation, each Branch Club hosts the Relief Procession in various Towns and Cities. Last year the Procession was held in Irvine and before COVID Motherwell and Bellshill.

"The peaceful, colourful procession will be hosted by the Kingdom of Fife No Surrender on Saturday, 3rd June, with the expected number of participants around 3000, including musical accompanied by bands from Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.

"This will bring significant economic value to the area, with many hotels already fully booked with travelling members coming from all over the world to attend this procession.

"We hope everyone has an enjoyable day and enjoys the music and colours of the Apprentice Boys."

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As reported previously by the Press, a public notice published by Fife Council says businesses will remain open as normal. but warned of road closure disruption.

"Roads will be closed from noon and we will re-open them as quickly as possible after the parade has finished. Please be aware that if you park in the city centre before noon, you will not be able to move your car again until after the parade is finished.

"Dunfermline’s High Street is pedestrianised so will be unaffected.

"Some bus services will also be affected. Halbeath Park and Ride will be operating as usual, so please think about this as an alternative to using the car on Saturday, June 3."

The council says that police and event organisers will be on hand throughout the day to ensure the event takes place safely.

A statement from the local authority added: "The council must facilitate parades and processions and has very limited powers to prevent them from happening or to impose conditions on them.

"The organisers of a parade do not need to obtain permission to hold a parade or procession but must notify the council where the parade is to take place at least 28 days before the event (Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982).

"The right to parade in a public place including a road is protected by Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights which relates to freedom of public assembly."

Starting at the Public Park at noon, the parade will go along West Drive, Comely Park, New Row, Canmore Street, St Margaret Street, Monastery Street and into Pittencrieff Park. It will then pass the Peacock Rooms and onto Bridge Street, High Street, East Port and Viewfield Terrace, before returning to the Public Park for the governor salute.