Promoting a Rich Identity and Culture

The year 2003 will prove to be a landmark in the resurgence of Ulster Scots culture, history, language and identity.  Despite bad luck and the hands of those who would delay or disrupt us, the Ulster Scots identity in all forms is taking its rightful place.

This very newspaper ‘the Ulster Scots’ has made a most valuable contribution to raising awareness and explaining backgrounds.  Without the interest, the activities and the historical perspective, the pages would be bare and uninviting.  As it was, the first issue in November was an instant success demanding a reprint with thousands of copies going around the world.

The last year was vital to us in the development of an education programme through Stranmillis University College.  The enthusiastic approach of all involved has already made a considerable impact.  But it is only the start.

The development of groups around the old province has bounded ahead bringing new ideas, new concepts and much renewed energy.  The pace can be breathtaking.  Highland games, Reivers dinners, re-enactment groups, dancers of many types, pipe, flute and other bands, musical shows and more, much more are a part of the daily scene.

I visit many groups on a regular basis and am overwhelmed by the surge of interest and the commitment of so many.  We have long passed the point of no return.  Our vision is that Ulster Scots should permeate all parts of society and its influence be everywhere.  Links must be further developed with Scotland.  Using the template that the Irish have of North/South connections, we must focus on the major area of Scots culture to the east.  Already, this process has begun and the response from our friends there is most encouraging.

We enter the next three-year stage of existence of  the Agency with renewed vigour and full of confidence.  I welcome the new board to their task and I am most grateful, on behalf of our movement, to retiring members for their support and sheer hard work.

The year 2003 must see major advances in the areas of the presentation and documentation of our language.  The Ulster Scots Agency is part of Language Body and the much delayed programme to prepare our language, ullans, for its promised place alongside Irish must happen soon.

The much heralded musical ‘On Eagle’s Wing’, written by John Anderson and scheduled for Belfast for early June, tells the story of Ulster Scots as a passionate people.  Outlined in the last edition of this paper, the show will be the biggest of its type on the island of Ireland ever and will set minds thinking and toes tapping.

Perhaps the most satisfactory aspect of On Eagle’s Wing will be its international impact.  Our proud story told around the world – that is our target for 2003 and why not?  What can stop us except ourselves.  Our forefathers faced unspeaking odds for many centuries.  We will let them down if we ever dare speak of failure.

The future is ours – let us seize the moment.