Ulster-Scots Agency praises Council

Newry and Mourne District Council is one of the most progressive councils in Northern Ireland in promoting Ulster-Scots, Jim Devenney, acting chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency has said.
Mr Devenney thanked the Council for taking the lead in fulfilling local government's responsibility in promoting Ulster-Scots as a recognised and protected regional language.
"We are delighted and honoured that the Council has hosted our meeting and hope to see more cross-community cultural festivals like the recent Viking Myths and Legends festival being held in the future," he added.
The acting chairman was speaking at a board meeting of the Agency, held in the offices of Newry and Mourne Council at Monaghan Row on Friday September 10. Agency members and officials were welcomed by the Mayor of Newry and Mourne Councillor Henry Reilly.
Newry and Mourne Council was the first council to create a dedicated Ulster-Scots committee. It had also recently published a cultural development strategy and action plan for Ulster-Scots.
The Council area contains two prominent Ulster-Scots groups - Altnaveigh House, Newry and Schomberg Society, Kilkeel.