Who we are
The Ulster-Scots Agency, or Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch as it is known in Ullans (another name for the Ulster-Scots language), has been given the legislative remit of the “promotion of greater awareness and use of Ullans and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues, both within Northern Ireland and throughout the island”.
It was established as a part of the North/South Language Body set up under the Belfast Agreement of 1998. The other part of the Language Body is Foras na Gaeilge, which has responsibility for the development of the Irish (Gaelic) language. Each of these agencies has its own Board, whose members together constitute the Board of the North/South Language Body (Tha Boord o Leid).
The Agency is jointly funded by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in the Republic of Ireland and is responsible to the North/South Ministerial Council.
The Agency has its main office in Belfast with a regional office in Raphoe, Co. Donegal, an Ulster-Scots heartland area.
You can learn a bit more about us in this short video!
What do we do?
We aim to promote the study, conservation, development and use of Ulster-Scots as a living language; to encourage and develop the full range of its attendant culture; and to promote an understanding of the history of the Ulster-Scots.
How do we help?
In carrying out its functions, in relation to the Ulster-Scots language and cultural issues, the Agency may provide advice for both administrations (North/South), public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sector; undertake research and promotional campaigns; and support projects and grant aid bodies and groups.
We promote the study, conservation, development and use of Ulster-Scots as a living language; encourage and develop the full range of its attendant culture; and promote an understanding of the history of the Ulster-Scots.
We do this by:
- Supporting a range of projects which safeguard or promote Ulster-Scots heritage, e.g. the Monaghan Peace Campus and Bailieborough Plantation Museum.
- Providing capacity building support to the Ulster-Scots community through core funding to the Ulster-Scots Community Network, and annual funding to other Ulster-Scots Community Impact Projects, including West Tyrone, Mourine, and North/West Belfast.
- Delivering our regular annual grant programmes which support community-based music and dance tuition, summer schools and community festivals.
