The Sheriff of Lanarkshire issued a proclamation in 1849, banning parades on the forthcoming 12th of July. Whilst he was away from the area he was informed that the brethren of Airdrie District intended celebrating the "12th". He was also told that the "Ribbonmen" from throughout the country intended disrupting the celebrations. On returning to Glasgow, he obtained two Companies of soldiers and proceeded to Airdrie. On the morning of the "12th" he went to the District Meeting Place to persuade the District officials not to take to the streets. The Office Bearers insisted that they would hold their parade. The Sheriff left and deployed the soldiers out of sight but positioned police officers in the street to bar the Orangemen's way. Not to be outdone, the brethren started to walk an alternative route. On hearing the Fifes and drums the Sheriff ordered the Assistant Superintendent of police to move and block the parade. The police apprehended the District Officials. They also took possession of flags and drums, but the Sheriff ordered that the officials be released, and that the flags and drums be returned the following day.

Many incidents between Protestants and Catholics are reported, some ending in fatalities. A riot occurred on St. Patrick's Day in 1851 when three hundred Orangemen, taking part in a funeral procession for one of their members, were attacked by a mob of Irishmen. Two years later another fight, lasting two hours, broke out between Orangemen and Catholics, at a Catholic funeral procession.