Learners of Ulster-Scots receive course certificates

Learners of Ulster-Scots receive course certificates

20 September 2023

THE culmination of a unique Ulster-Scots course was celebrated in Killyleagh Castle on Thursday evening when the 16 participants were presented with their certificates.

The four-week course was organised by Rowallane councillor Callum Bowsie and was held in the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh, in March this year.

The course was delivered by Ulster-Scots Community Network (USCN,) which is primarily funded by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

During the series of four evening classes, the group looked at Ulster-Scots identity, archaeology, genealogy and language, with robust discussions and written assignments along the way.

“Not only have all of 16 participants who started completed it, but I’m delighted to say all 16 have passed too,” said Cllr Bowsie.

He thanked Mr Gawn Rowan-Hamilton, Lord Lieutenant of Co Down and owner of Killyleagh Castle, for hosting the presentation evening.

“With the Hamiltons of Killyleagh Castle being a key family in the story of the Ulster Plantation in Co Down in the 17th century, there was nowhere more apt to cerebrate the learning of Ulster-Scots heritage than in the castle itself.”

The certificates were presented by former DUP MLA for North Belfast Nelson McCausland, who is heavily involved in the promotion of Ulster-Scots heritage across Northern Ireland.

Also in attendance was the director of the USCN, David Gilliland, who confirmed to the audience that he was in the midst of making plans with Cllr Bowsie to run a level two course.

“With this course being fully booked, it shows the level of local enthusiasm to learn more about Ulster-Scots,” said Cllr Bowsie.

Mr Bowsie also paid tribute to the work of the Ulster-Scots Agency promoting the history and heritage of Ulster-Scots Internationally.

He added: “Lastly, I would also like to thank everyone who took part in the course, who made it the success it was.

“The more people who take the time to learn more about what Ulster-Scots actually is, regardless of their own background, the more prosperous Northern Ireland can be.”