Skip Navigation

Call To Embrace The Ulster-Scots Language...

20 November 2023

Ulster-Scots Language Week (Ulster-Scotch Leid Week) starts today, with a packed programme of events to show people across Ulster that we all have a ‘wheen o wurds’ in the hamely tongue.

Kicking off the programme, Ulster-Scots Agency Chief Executive, Ian Crozier said, "Whether we're from Belfast or Ballinamallard, Newry or Newbuildings, Moneymore or Monaghan, everyone in Ulster understands and uses Ulster-Scots all the time. The last census told us that over 190,000 people in Northern Ireland have Ulster-Scots, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. More and more people are engaging with Ulster-Scots and Leid Week is a great opportunity to find out more and get involved." 

The week-long celebration boasts a diverse program, including interactive language workshops, captivating storytelling sessions, historical walking tours, exciting book launches, engaging exhibitions, and activities for weans, so there is something for all ages. 

Complementing the on-site events, the Ulster-Scots Agency invites individuals to participate in the "Wheen o Wurds" online quiz, a fun and informative way to test one's knowledge of Ulster-Scots. Successfully completing the quiz earns participants a certificate and a coveted "Wheen o Wurds" badge, encouraging further exploration of the linguistic heritage. 

This year, Ulster-Scot Language Week returns with events and activities taking place across Northern Ireland and the Irish border counties of Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal, in schools, libraries and community venues. 

For more information on this year’s programme, click here or follow the Ulster-Scots Agency on Facebook and Twitter.