The Ulster-Scots Agency - Financial Aid

During the three years of its existence the Ulster-Scots Agency has financially assisted a wide spectrum of groups, societies and associations all promoting the Ulster-Scots language and culture.

These organisations are largely based in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan. However, agency funding has also been made available to other organisations in the Republic of Ireland and the USA.

Here are just a few examples of what the funding has meant to the organizations, which the Agency has helped.

‘Without part funding received from the Agency, it would have been difficult to ‘persuade’ other funders that these projects deserved assistance. Many bodies are now recognising the importance of Ulster-Scots and take groups seriously.’

Margaret Thompson, Manager, Altnaveigh House Cultural Society, Newry, Co Down.

‘The funding has given our organisation the opportunity and back up to promote our culture and heritage on a much larger scale. It has enabled us to attract major Scottish arts events to the province and allow many of our own artists to compete at World class level. We have been able to reach audiences and prospective new performers who had not previously had the opportunity to take part in such cultural activities.’

George Ussher, Chairman, Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

‘Our most successful event supported by the Agency was the British Pipe Band Championships at Banbridge in 2001. The funding here made the difference in being able to stage the event in Northern Ireland and brought thousands of competitors and spectators from all over the British Isles. It demonstrated the vast wealth of culture and the demand for such events here in the province.’

George Ussher, Chairman, Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association

‘The funding allowed us to push Highland Dancing in areas of Greater Belfast and develop a resource of dancers who can now compete in competitions and dance at Ulster-Scots events. This project could not have progressed without the Agency’s money.’

John Dean, Project Manager, South Belfast Cultural Society

‘Only a small fraction of the progress we have made would have been possible without the Agency’s funding. Mid-Armagh Community Network is now a well-known name in Ulster-Scots communities and in the wider public for the promotion and development of Ulster-Scots culture. The grants have been invaluable.’

Myrtle McGuinness, Development Officer, Mid-Armagh Community Network

‘With all the growth of our Society in the past years, we have embarked on our most ambitious program yet - the acquisition of our own property, a headquarters from where we can run all activities. None of this would have been possible without the help and guidance of the Ulster-Scots Agency.’

Maynard Hanna, Project Worker, The Schomberg Society Ltd. Kilkeel, Co Down

All of the above shows prospective first time applicants, the range and extent of previous successful applications, and the benefits that the grant has made to those groups.

The Ulster-Scots Agency is living up to its responsibility by actively helping Ulster-Scots celebrate and develop their language, culture and identity.