Larne council's decision not to purchase and erect the traditional streamers has hit the headlines throughout Northern Ireland and on Saturday it was also brought to the attention of Orangemen at Grangemouth, near Falkirk.

Director of Services of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Dr David Hume - a member of Magheramorne LOL 291 - emphasised to the gathering at the County Grand Lodge of the East commemoration how important it was to celebrate the Orange heritage, traditions and culture. He also went on to stress the need for pride in the Union.

He said: "it is not enough to talk of the concept of Union. There must be an honest debate on what 'The Union' actually means in the 21st century. The benefits of the Union must be spelt out. The legacy and heritage of the Union must be highlighted. The future of the Union must be addressed.

"We are different regions and it is right that our differences are catered for in different ways. But there are essential bonds of union which are unchanged and which make us all stronger. They must be maintained. Scotland belongs in the Union, Northern Ireland belongs alongside her."

He said the Orange institution is like the Union.

"We have people of many different backgrounds and outlooks within our membership. So too the Union is a pluralist Institution which has a place for everyone who wants to subscribe to its values.

"What we do need in civic society is more pride in the Union. Our young people need to know more about their history and about the figures who helped weave the fabric of the Union. There is a need for education."

Dr Hume stressed that defending the Union did not mean the Scottish had to drop their identity or people from Ulster had to lose theirs.

"But, it does mean that governments should do more to promote the Union. In the context of Ulster Scots, for example, it is easier for my community group in Ballycarry to get grants to travel across the border to spend time studying festivals in the Republic of Ireland than it is to develop a programme of community links with Scotland, which is closer to us culturally and historically. We and our friends in the neighbouring community of Cairncastle have been lobbying along with our MP and MLAs to encourage east-west links.

"We get the distinct impression that the commitment to develop these links is not as high priority as it should be. Developing those links is a means of copper-fastening the cultural union between our areas. Could it be that doing so is not part of the plan of the framers of the Belfast Agreement?

"We have seen many occasions where emphasising our sense of British identity causes some people to be embarrassed. The decision by a government department not to have the Red Arrows take part in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremonies is just another example.