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Orangeman invites top Catholic for lunch

The leader of the Orange Order of Scotland is set to invite one of Scotland's most prominent Catholics out to lunch in a bid to heal age-old sectarian divisions.

Grand Master Ian Wilson is keen to meet Archbishop Mario Conti as part of a broader public relations blitz by the exclusively Protestant organisation aimed at improving its public image.

He previously met Conti briefly during an anti-sectarian summit organised by former First Minister Jack McConnell.

"I said to Archbishop Conti that we should meet up for lunch and he replied that he thought that would be a good idea," said Wilson.

"Sadly I have not taken him up on that yet, but I am keen to put that right. The interfaith dialogue has to continue. It is the only civilised way to conduct business in the 21st century."

Halogen PR, a company set up by former MP and Scottish Conservative chairman Raymond Robertson, has been hired by the Order.

A spokesman for Conti, the Archbishop of Glasgow, said: "The Archbishop would be glad to meet with Mr Wilson."

Full story at Scotland on Sunday.