Minister attends 18th Broadisland Gathering

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland today attended Northern Ireland's longest running Ulster-Scots Festival, the Broadisland Gathering.

The event has grown from a small village fair in the County Antrim village of Ballycarry to a major attraction which sees thousands of visitors make their way to the village to celebrate their Ulster-Scots culture and heritage. The Broadisland Gathering was established in 1993 by the Ballycarry Community Association and is now the major event on the village’s community calendar.

Speaking at the event the Minister said: "As the longest established Ulster-Scots festival in Northern Ireland, the Broadisland Gathering is an example from which other Ulster-Scots community groups can draw inspiration. Such events highlight the role of local community initiatives in celebrating our cultural traditions.

"The continued efforts of Ballycarry Community Association and their dedication in organising this long standing Ulster-Scots event are to be commended. The East-West links which the Association has forged with communities on the west coast of Scotland over the years help to strengthen the relationship between Ulster and Scotland."

Notes to editors:

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