Keith Gamble is a partner in a Belfast law firm.

This is his second term as Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency, having previously served from 2016 to 2021.

He has had a lifelong involvement in the pipe band scene, playing as a snare drummer, most recently with Gilnahirk Pipe Band.

He has previously served on the board of the Ulster-Scots Community Network and the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group.

Ian is married and lives just outside Belfast, though he hails originally from Groomsport at the top of the Ards Peninsula.

A speaker of several Western European languages, Ian is a linguist by academic background, compiling ground-breaking research on language change in Germanic languages as his dissertation at Newcastle University. 

Ian continues to write and commentate on linguistic issues, including on effective language learning methods and minority language development.

A past local councillor, Ian is also involved in hockey umpiring and public policy analysis and research (particularly in the fields of health and the economy).

Ian has previously served as the Chair of the Ulster-Scots Broadcasting Fund from 2012 to 2019.

Karyn grew up in the Laggan Valley in East Donegal, where she experienced the traditions and the language of the Ulster-Scots community on a daily basis.

Her father, Jim Devenney, a long-term activist and supporter of Ulster-Scots, inspired Karyn to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of her cultural heritage. 

Having just completed her masters in applied theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, she is hopeful that perhaps this transformative and participatory art form will enable her to further explore the language, traditions and culture of the Ulster Scots community in Ireland.

Karyn is currently teaching in a small rural Primary school in Manorcunningham, Co Donegal and her interests include education, theatre, art, music and reading.