More than 150 people across the Borough have been engaging in music, poetry and storytelling events this week to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025.
Coordinated by the Ulster Scots Agency, ‘Ulster Scotch Leid Week’ (24th - 28th November 2025) aims to celebrate the contribution Ulster Scots heritage has on our local communities and promote greater awareness of the language.
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Richard Stewart, said: “This week’s events for Ulster Scots Language Week mark the impact of Ulster Scots on our daily lives in the Borough, from the way we speak with each other, to our culture and traditions.
“Increasing the awareness and appreciation of Ulster Scots recognises our local heritage and offers many local people a sense of place and belonging.”
Activities commenced in primary schools on Tuesday with the Ulster Scots Agency delivering joint-school workshops to pupils from St Brigid’s and Lislagan Primary in the morning and St Olcan’s with Armoy Primary in the afternoon. Pupils learned about the history of Ulster Scots as well as the origination of words commonly spoken in our language today.
That evening, the Kilrea Ulster Scots Group welcomed over 60 members of the community to hear stories and poems from Anne McMaster, Aileen McCahon and storyteller Colin Urwin, with music from Kilrea Pipe Band.
On Thursday night, the Ullans Speakers Association hosted poems and music from Ivor Wallace, Dick Glasgow and the Fuse Tin Whistle/Bodhran group in an intimate setting at Ballymoney Fuse Centre.
Events concluded on Friday evening with a celebration arranged by Ballynarrig Cultural Group. The night opened with Ballynarrig flute band and followed with Limavady Highland Dancers, Reece and Lewis Doherty on the pipe and drums, and Colin Urwin’s storytelling to close the night.
Sara Glendinning, Good Relations Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “It’s been a great week of events marking Ulster Scots Week through the Hear Here project.
“By collaborating with local groups, the use of the Ulster-Scots language has been celebrated and promoted across the Borough. Communities young and old have gathered to discover more about this heritage and the history of words and traditions that are intwined in our everyday lives.”
For more information on Council’s Good Relations visit: https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/community-culture/good-relations
The Ulster Scots Agency delivered a workshop St Olcan’s Primary School, Armoy.
Ullans Speakers Association hosted the Fuse Tin Whistle/Bodhran group in an intimate setting at Ballymoney Fuse Centre.
Ullans Speakers Association hosted poems and music from Ivor Wallace at Ballymoney Fuse Centre.
The Kilrea Ulster Scots Group welcomed over 60 members of the community, with music from Kilrea Pipe Band.