Ulster-Scots in South Donegal

South Donegal Ulster-Scots Association was set up in April last year and since then a greater awareness in the Ulster-Scots heritage and culture has developed in the region.  Some of the groups were delighted to meet with Ulster-Scots Agency chairman, Lord Laird when he was visiting the area.  At the first formal meeting in June those attending were entertained to some fine Ulster-Scots music from Robert Watt and Emma Culbert, with encouragement from the Ulster Society by Gordon Lucy, Ulster-Scots Heritage Council by Nelson McCausland and Alvin Mullan Jnr. And support sent from Lord Laird.  UP and running ideas and events were organised and pondered over.

A treasure hunt was held in July which had participants looking for treasures of an Ulster-Scots theme.  Members enjoyed a barbecue.

In September, an Ulster Covenant night, to mark the 90th anniversary of its signing, was held in Moyne Orange Hall.  A talk on this historic document was given by Gordon Lucy, from the Ulster Society.  Music was provided by Moyne Pipe Band and the evening covered a wide ranging age group.  Later in November a St.Andrew’s Night was held in Doorin Orange Hall.

The entertainment ranged from poems by W.F.Marshall to flute music with also Lambeg and fife, bagpipe and an unrehearsed Lambeg and bagpipe session of music.  A well-earned supper was provided to a packed hall which had little room left for even standing.  All ages were represented and they enjoyed themselves.

The AGM was held in January at which the chairman, Norman Henry, reported a successful eight months and said he was encouraged with the ideas forthcoming for the year ahead.

A very interesting night, supported by the Association, was held in Ballymagroarty at which slides and talks were given on the history of the church in the British Isles from New Testament times to present day.  Further plans for the year ahead include a night to mark the 90th anniversary of the formation of the 36th Ulster Division which many men from an Ulster-Scots background, as well as others, signed up to and seen service.  Many of them never again saw the hills of Donegal.  Also on the agenda is Highland dancing classes and training for piping and drumming for the local bands.

Highland games are to be run in July this year at Rossnowlagh and possibly a dinner or two for St.Andrew’s Night and Burns Night and an occasion to mark the 50th anniversary of a local pipe band.  The support of the Ulster-Scots heritage Council, the Ulster Society and the Ulster-Scots Agency has been very welcomed and appreciated here in South Donegal.