Ulster-Scots | Implementation group

The Ulster-Scots Language

Ulster-Scots is a West Germanic language that is closely related to (Lowland) Scots in Scotland and, of course, to English. From the early 1600s, in an event known as the “Ulster Plantation”, tens of thousands of lowland Scots crossed the Irish Sea to settle in adjacent parts of east and north Ulster, bringing with them their language, which has developed here over the past 400 years to become Ulster-Scots.

For a long time, Ulster-Scots was derided by many as ‘bad English’, given its largely rural usage and ‘mixing’ with English words. However, in the past two decades, the language, and its associated culture have gradually become more widely recognised, and both are now enjoying a remarkable revival throughout the island of Ireland.

Background to the Ulster-Scots Academy

The current Implementation Group contains representatives from the local universities, as well as others from Ulster-Scots language and community groups, and will deliver a state-funded Ulster-Scots Academy. Our desire is that the Academy will establish a significant physical presence in the local, national and international spheres.

A number of important political developments have contributed to the current initiative:

• On April 10th 1998, the UK and Irish Governments signed the Belfast Agreement (also known as the Good Friday Agreement), which was a major step in the Northern Ireland "peace process". Strand 3 of the Belfast Agreement acknowledges “the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity” throughout the island of Ireland. Notably, in this context, the agreement makes specific reference to Ulster-Scots as "part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland”.
• Subsequently, a North/South Language Body for Irish and Ulster-Scots was established, which has afforded the language considerable recognition.
• The UK Government’s ratification of the European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages in respect of Irish and Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland.
• In April 2003, a Joint Declaration from the UK and Irish Governments set out that the UK Government would take steps to encourage the establishing of an Ulster-Scots Academy for Northern Ireland.

Purpose of the Ulster-Scots Academy and its new Website

The overarching aim of the Academy is to conserve, develop, and teach the language of Ulster-Scots in association with native speakers and to the highest academic standards.

The forthcoming website for the new Academy will provide you with the ability to research original Ulster-Scots texts, view and comment upon the latest research and translations undertaken by the Academy, as well as let you discover the basics of the language.

The Implementation Group

In June 2005, the UK Culture Minister, David Hanson MP, set up our Implementation Group to consult upon and advise how a fully functioning Academy should be established by January 2007.

Contact Information

Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group
Regent House
35 Regent Street
Newtownards. Tel: 028 9182 7237