Minister visits Ulster-Scots summer scheme

Culture Minister, Nelson McCausland, today visited an Ulster-Scots summer scheme to view first hand some of the activities that hundreds of young people take part in each summer.

During the visit, which is run by Loughries Historical Society and held at Castle Garden’s Primary School in Newtownards, the Minister met with children taking part in activities such as highland dance, tin whistle, bagpipe and snare drum practice.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: “We have a rich cultural diversity in Northern Ireland and the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture is an important strand in that diversity. It is part of our cultural wealth and must be recognised, respected and resourced.

“This summer scheme and others like it provide a valuable resource for children, giving them access to information about their culture, heritage and language and the opportunity to learn new skills such as highland dance and tin whistle.”

The Minister concluded: "My Department’s contribution to the budget of the North/South Language Body in 2009 amounted to £6.5million. Through this funding the Department's investment in the work of the Ulster-Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge has seen successful projects and programmes, such as the Loughries Historical Society Summer Scheme, take place. This funding has helped to promote, develop and maintain interest in Ulster-Scots culture, heritage and language and Irish language activities.”

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