Spring is in the air and 2005 has got off to a hectic start with an ever-growing number of Burns celebration events, Ulster-Scots concerts, evening classes in piping, drumming, fiddle, accordion, poetry, language and dance. All of these events remind me of beacons spreading new light all over this ancient province of Ulster. I would congratulate members of the Ulster Scots Heritage Council on marking their 10th anniversary and, no doubt, this valuable organisation will be planning strategies for the next 10 years.
All of us in the Ulster-Scots Agency are excited and encouraged by the increasing number of Ulster-Scots groups springing up throughout the province "and beyond", notably an Ulster-Scots all party group at Westminster, and the Ulster-Scots Society of America. All of these groups and activities weave the common thread of identity of the Ulster-Scots heritage like little pieces of a mighty jigsaw and, when completed, will display a priceless heirloom. If you believe that somewhere there are pieces of this jigsaw in your district, town or village and as yet you haven't joined this crusade of discovery - "why not?" You don't know what you are missing!
I take this opportunity to mention an event which is extremely important to the entire Ulster-Scots diaspora. The year 2010 is the 400th anniversary of the Plantation of Ulster, and we in the Ulster-Scots Agency are hoping to celebrate this very historic milestone in history. Quite a number of statutory agencies and organisations will be needed to co-ordinate effectively in order to make 2010 a year to remember for future generations and we would call on them to take heed today and plan for the future.
We believe that the celebrations could conclude with a homecoming gathering in a central location lasting three to four days. This gathering would have worldwide attractions and would be an excellent opportunity for our distant cousins, whoever they may be, to plan to visit the homeland.
May I wish all Ulster-Scots enthusiasts a busy and exciting year ahead and please remember that the Ulster-Scots Agency is here to assist.