A TORY by-election candidate has claimed the Orange Order is “not divisive” as he defended his membership of the organisation.
Richard Nelson, who is running for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat, insisted that he could represent all constituents despite his affiliations, also confirming he was a member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
Both groups have long been accused of sectarianism.
In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland, Nelson confirmed his membership of both organisations and was asked whether they were compatible with holding elected office.
He said: “We are law-abiding organisations. We pledge allegiance to His Majesty the King. And, you know, we are not divisive at all, and people have their right to their own religion.”
Pressed on whether he would be able to represent everyone in the community, Nelson said: “I always do. I always have. Last week, I met with the parish priest in Larkhall – not just the parish priest, but also another priest.
"We sat for an hour and spoke about the local community and the things that have been happening in the community. Everybody that comes to my surgery or contacts me – I do not ask what religion they are.”
He added: “People always try and target organisations with a bad brush, but we are not. The things that we do for the local charities, the local communities… that is the part that is missing with all of this.”
Nelson’s entry on South Lanarkshire Council’s register of interests shows that he has been a member of the Netherton Covenanters Loyal Orange Lodge 233 since 2019 and is currently listed as secretary of the Scottish Amalgamated Committee of the Apprentice Boys of Derry. He is also a member of the Sir William Johnston Memorial Royal Black Preceptory 634.
Between 2012 and 2023, he was a member of the Carluke No Surrender Apprentice Boys of Derry.
The Orange Order claims that it is “the protection of the principles of the Protestant Reformation”, which historically included the persecution of Catholics, and its modern-day critics point to its frequent marches through Irish Catholic areas and allege it promotes bigoted attitudes towards that community.
Nelson also has a side-line as a comedy hypnotist and was revealed to have sworn at audience members under his spell at an event in Penicuik.
Footage obtained by the Daily Record showed him shouting at participants: “What are yous daeing, you d**k? I’m in the middle of a show here. A****holes. You and all.”
