THE Catholic Church in Scotland has criticised police and council officials for approving a loyalist parade which last year led to the assault of a priest as it made its way through his parish.

Bishop Joseph Devine has questioned the decision to allow the march to pass a church during evening mass and accused senior police officers of showing a "complete lack of sensitivity".

The bishop and Father Gerard Bogan, the parish priest, have raised questions over the safety of the Catholic community in the area at the time of the parade and have issued a last-minute appeal for the march to be rerouted to avoid any potential confrontation.

The row comes only days after the signing of a historic pact to stamp out bigotry associated with parades. The agreement, signed by justice minister Cathy Jamieson, march organisers, trade unions and councils, committed all parties to work together to eradicate racist, sectarian and disruptive behaviour at the events.

The organisations behind tomorrow's parade, the Hamilton Covenanters Memorial RBP 360 and the Blantyre No Surrender flute band, are not understood to hold any official affiliation with the Orange Order.

Last September, Father Bogan was subjected to a physical and verbal assault by one of the marchers on the parade as he stood outside St Ninian's in Hamilton. A man was subsequently found guilty of breach of the peace and aggravated sectarianism and is due to be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court next week.

Bishop Devine, the bishop of Motherwell, condemned the decision by Strathclyde Police and South Lanarkshire Council and said: "I am surprised and concerned to hear that a further parade has been authorised at such an inappropriate time and in such close proximity to St Ninian's Church.

"In view of the previous incident, I hope the council accepts that it would be appropriate to reroute the procession away from the church."

Father Bogan added: "I was shocked when the police informed me that a parade with bands was to pass within metres of our church during our Sunday evening mass. In fact, given that there was a recorded incident of assault, I thought the police might have shown greater awareness of the situation.

"As a result of their complete lack of sensitivity in dealing with this case, it is difficult to see how we can have confidence in the police. I would urge South Lanarkshire Council, for the safety of our parish community and the freedom of our worship, to reroute the walk, even at this late stage."

Negotiations between the police and the parade organisers have led to the start of the march being delayed by half an hour and no music will be played as it passes the church. It is understood police expect no more than 100 people will attend the parade compared to around 450 last year.

A police spokeswoman said: "It will be a small parade and we do not expect there will be any trouble. The event will be policed as is appropriate."

A spokeswoman for South Lanarkshire Council said: "The agreement was that the march would be moved from 4.30pm to 5pm and bands would not play as they passed St Ninian's.

"Father Bogan seemed to accept this but has asked that the no-play area be extended.

"The police offered no objection to the parade and on that basis the council has no legal powers to refuse the licence."

Ian Wilson, grand master of the Grand Orange Lodge for Scotland, said: "This is a band event. It is not connected with the order or a lodge parade, and those taking part are a separate entity."