A ROW has erupted over an event celebrating the Orange Order's heritage and culture, with the country's biggest council accused of "courting votes at public expense".

Days before its inaugural 'Orangefest', which the often controversial Protestant organisation claims is an attempt to open it up to the wider public, opposition politicians in Glasgow have called on the local authority to declare how much it is spending on the event.

The city's SNP group has also claimed the council was under no obligation to allow the use of George Square, which is let on a commercial basis.

But the organisation, which was given a reception at the City Chambers last night, said it was entitled to a community discount. It also questioned critics opposing the event, claiming that while it does not support the Scottish independence-themed events in the square in recent months it recognises the right to freedom of expression and assembly.

The organisation, whose existence is based on the military victory by the Protestant King William Of Orange over forces led by the Catholic King James II more than 300 years ago, announced its day of events in Glasgow last autumn.

It has has been billed as an "opportunity to gain an understanding of the cultural heritage and modus operandi of the Orange Lodge as a whole", with invitations extended to the Catholic Church, as well as the leaders of other faiths and all politicians in the city.

As well as bands, prayers, a Last Night At The Prom-style concert and speeches, academic and journalist Ruth Dudley Edwards will be speaking, along with former top flight football referee Mike McCurry.

The Herald understands that police have categorised the event as "low risk" during planning.

But the SNP has now called for costs to be made public.

A spokesman for its group on the council said: "Whilst Glasgow Labour has been courting this vote for years it shouldn't be at public expense. The public will want to know how much was spent on a civic reception and if any discounts have been given for hiring George Square.

"It's not compulsory to agree to every let for George Square so maybe some careful thought should have been given to this request."

But Eddie Hyde, Grand Master of the County Grand Orange Lodge Of Glasgow, said: "We will apply for a community discount, as we are entitled, and fund the rest ourselves. Why shouldn't the event go ahead?

"We have a distinct culture stretching back hundreds of years in the city and I would class us as an ethnic minority entitled to promote ourselves the same as any other faith.

"We stand for civil and religious liberties for all. We may not like the other events in George Square and disagree with much of it but we respect their right to assemble and express themselves in George Square or wherever."

A city council spokesman said: "People use George Square and other public spaces in Glasgow for a range of events and activities.

"Providing the events are properly planned and don't encourage unlawful behaviour the council is not permitted to simply ban them on the grounds that someone dislike aspects or holds contrary views to the organisers."

One source said: "Say what you like about the Orange Order but they are a legal organisation and when it comes to organising events they stick to the rules rigidly.

"Yet in recent months we've had any number of events just set up in the Square without any permission, which is a major insurance and public liability nightmare apart from anything else."