Celebrating Achievement 2025

01 October 2025

There was a touch of tartan at Stormont recently as young Ulster-Scots musicians from across Ulster gathered for a special musical graduation in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings.

The pupils came together to receive Foundation Certificates in Piping, Drumming and Drum Majoring, jointly awarded by the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (NI).

The three-night celebration saw more than 550 young learners from primary and post-primary schools attend to receive recognition for their efforts at learning their new instruments and skills. 

The events were hosted by former Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA, a long-time supporter of Ulster-Scots, whose opening speech highlighted this special moment for the pupils, as well as acknowledged their competent, passionate tutors; supportive schools; and the encouragement of family and friends. 

Most of the young people have been learning on tuition programmes funded by the Ulster-Scots Agency, which organised the event.

The total number of recipients of awards were as follows: 

• 66 Piping 
• 483 Snare Drumming 
• 20 Drum Major.

An additional highlight saw several of the award winners perform for assembled guests, pre- and post-event, filling the Great Hall and wider grounds of Stormont with traditional Ulster-Scots music.