Minister Launches Ulster Scots Conference

Carál Ní Chuilín has launched an Ulster-Scots primary conference at Titanic Belfast.

'Enhancing the Curriculum - Ulster-Scots culture in the Primary School' is an inaugural event organised by the Ulster-Scots Agency to raise awareness of the language and culture within primary schools in Northern Ireland.

The Culture Minister said: "The Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture is a valuable part of our shared cultural heritage. I want to encourage and promote the growth of this sector which embraces all aspects of the Ulster-Scots heritage in a positive and confident manner.

"Promoting Ulster-Scots to the education sector is an excellent way to highlight the benefits of Ulster-Scots not only locally but also to show its links with Scotland and the United States."

The Minister said it was an "exciting time" for creating awareness of Ulster Scots.

"The importance of this area of our culture and heritage is recognised for the first time in the Programme for Government 2011-2015 as a building block towards a strong and shared community as well as the commitments given following the St Andrews Agreement," she said.

Minister Ní Chuilín reminded the public of the current public consultations taking place.

"The draft Strategy for Ulster-Scots, Language, Heritage and Culture will underpin and sustain Ulster-Scots in all aspects of life from education, to broadcasting and accessing public services as well as contributing to our tourist and economic offering. Your views on this are crucial, so please take the opportunity to respond before the 27 November 2012.

"Similarly, the Ministerial Advisory Group on Ulster-Scots are seeking public views about a proposed Development and Research Strategy and associated Grant Scheme for the Ulster-Scots Academy. This consultation ends on the 7th of December 2012 and your input would be greatly received."

(IT/GK)