POLICE have made several arrests after racist and sectarian singing took place during Orange walks on Saturday.

Thousands of people took part in processions that shut down city centre roads and prompted counter-protests and condemnation of anti-Catholic bigotry.

Up to 800 police officers were deployed to manage marches that headed through the city centre and past Catholic churches.

Members of Call It Out, a campaign group that opposes anti-Irish and anti-Catholic bigotry, held vigils outside churches on the routes.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, confirmed a number of arrests had been made. 

He said: “It is clear that sectarianism remains a serious ongoing problem in Scotland and, whilst policing has an important role in tackling this type of behaviour, this is a collective problem and needs to be addressed in a collective, collaborative manner.”

Call It Out said: “Our resolve is stronger than ever, and those willing to stand with us are growing in number. No to anti-Catholic marches past Catholic churches: No to institutional anti-Catholicism.”