Gay pride march to go ahead

A gay pride march through the centre of Inverness has been given the go-ahead.

Proud Ness, which will take place on October 6, has been at the centre of a bitter row after Donald Morrison, a home mission worker with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), submitted a petition to Highland Council signed by 600 people opposing the event on "biblical, religious and moral grounds".

In response, thousands of supporters signed counter petitions, saying gay pride was celebrated all over the world and the people of Inverness wanted to be on the right side of history.

The council confirmed this morning the march can go ahead.

"We have notified the organisers that Highland Council and Police Scotland have no objections to the march being held as per the details in their notice of intention," the spokeswoman said.

Previously, the spokeswoman said the petitions from both sides would not have a bearing on the decision process as the raised matters of concern were not sufficient reason to refuse the parade.