Council set to celebrate Ulster-Scots Language...

Ulster-Scots Language Week or ‘Leid Week’, provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the rich tradition of Ulster-Scots in the local area.  This year, Derry City and Strabane District Council is partnering with the Ulster-Scots Agency to offer a diverse programme of events which includes poetry, storytelling, short film, creative writing workshops, lectures, language learning opportunities and a unique project which blends electronic dance music and the spoken word. 

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy said she hoped the programme would appeal to people from across the city and district.  She added: “Ulster-Scots is part of the shared linguistic heritage of communities across our city and district and Ulster-Scots Language Week is a perfect opportunity for us to raise awareness of the Ulster-Scots language and to preserve and promote an oral tradition which is unique to this part of the world.” 

Speaking ahead of the event, event organiser Pól Ó Frighil, Policy Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working with local Ulster-Scots writers, poets, musicians and academics to showcase the rich heritage of the Ulster-Scots tradition in all its forms.  We’re also delighted to have the continued support of the Ulster-Scots Agency in our efforts to promote greater awareness of the language throughout the Council area.  All the events in our programme are free and located within accessible venues, so we hope we can encourage as many people as possible to engage with the language during this unique week in our events calendar.” 

Gillian Pearson, Director of Development with the Ulster-Scots Agency, said: “The Agency is proud to partner with Derry City and Strabane District Council again this year to deliver a diverse programme of events building awareness of the language and showcasing the rich tradition of Ulster-Scots throughout the Council area. Now in its fourth year, Ulster-Scots Language Week is going from strength to strength.” 

Derry City and Strabane District Council's full programme of events can be viewed here. 

All events in the programme are free but booking is essential.  To book your place at any of the events please contact ulsterscots@derrystrabane.com.