New Board for Agency

A new Board to lead the Ulster-Scots Agency over the next three years was announced earlier this week. The Agency’s former Chairman, The Lord Laird of Artigarvan, was re-confirmed as Chairman in the much-awaited round of appointments to various North-South institutions.And with the appointment of a new permanent Chief Executive shortly, the Agency looks set for a dynamic year.

There’s no change to the Republic of Ireland Board members with the former popular Deputy Chairman, Jim Devenney from East Donegal, retaining his place along with Dubliners Patrick Wall and Dr Linde Lunney, formerly from Co. Antrim, and Eddie O’Donnell, also from County Donegal.

However, there’s two new Board members to represent Northern Ireland – former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Bob Stoker, and from Londonderry, Alistair Simpson, former Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
Lord Laird, who’s known to Ulster-Scots throughout Northern Ireland and the Border Counties for his tireless support of their activities, welcomed his new Board and paid tribute to departing members. “I’m delighted to be the Agency’s Chairman for the next three years and I’ll promise to continue the good work that has already been laid down by the former Board.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the two departing members, John McIntyre and John Erskine, it was my greatest pleasure to have served with them.

“They both worked tirelessly for the Agency and the wider movement and will be greatly missed.”

Lord Laird continued:  “It’s great to see the four former Republic of Ireland representatives being re-appointed.  This includes Jim Devenney who has worked so hard to re-establish Ulster-Scots in the Donegal area.
“I have worked previously in other areas with our two new members of the Board, Bob Stoker and Alistair Simpson, and have no doubt that their own personal drive and determination and great interest in Ulster-Scots history, culture and music will benefit the Agency and the movement overall.
“Now it’s seriously down to work after the short hiatus and taking the Ulster-Scots language and culture into a new golden age.”

Lord Laird added that the Agency would hopefully be announcing its new Chief Executive in the March edition of the Ulster  Scot once the recruitment process had fully been completed.