Republicans and loyalists have gathered on the streets of Glasgow for opposing demonstrations over the Orange Order parade on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

Cairde na hÉireann, meaning Friends of Ireland, and other republican groups, flocked to the stairs outside Buchanan Galleries in the city centre, with members from loyalist groups on the other side of the stairs.

Garvaghy Road protest
A loyalist protester at Buchanan Steps in Glasgow in support of residents of Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland. (Robert Perry/PA)

A line of police officers separated both groups, though there did not appear to be any intimidation from either side, and Police Scotland later confirmed no arrests were made.

The republican side was protesting against the recent decision from the Parades Commission, which gave the go-ahead to the Orange Order to host a walk down Garvaghy Road in the Northern Irish town for the first time in 28 years.

Garvaghy Road protest
People take part in a protest at Buchanan Steps in Glasgow in support of residents of Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland. (Robert Perry/PA)

The loyalist side was there in support of the decision.

Additionally, the republican side flew pro-Palestine flags and banners, while the loyalist side protested against illegal immigration.

Garvaghy Road protest
People take part in a protest at Buchanan Steps in Glasgow in support of residents of Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland. (Robert Perry/PA)

Both sides appeared to protest peacefully, with no obvious taunting or slurs heard exchanged between the two groups.

A handful of passers-by shouted their support for whichever side they favoured, but no violence took place.

In a statement posted on social media Cairde na hÉireann said: “Cairde na hÉireann would like to thank all who attended today’s demonstration of solidarity with the residents of Garvaghy Road.

“It was particularly heartening to see representation from various Republican groups banding together for one common purpose.”

The statement added: “We will stand steadfast with the Garvaghy Road community for as long as it takes. Because there’s no going back.

“Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”