Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Nelson...

15 October 2009

Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure Nelson McCausland officially launched the Ulster-Scots Agency’s new website today at their offices on Great Victoria Street, Belfast. Minister McCausland was joined by Agency Board members, Directors and staff at the official launch – an opportunity for the Agency to demonstrate the new features of the website, which is a transformation from the former Agency website and is a reflection of the volume and wide range of work currently being undertaken by the Ulster-Scots community and the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Launching the new Ulster-Scots Agency website Culture Minister Nelson McCausland said: "I warmly welcome this new Ulster-Scots e-communication initiative.

"Ulster-Scots enthusiasts are spread across the world and so it is appropriate to reflect the international nature of this culture on the world wide web.  The Ulster-Scots website will help to support and foster links and friendships across the world.

“The website will also offer practical advice such as information on the Agency's financial assistance scheme, case studies provided by groups with first hand experience of running Ulster-Scots events and a complete database of teaching resources.”

Speaking at the launch Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency, George Patton said: “The new website is an exciting opportunity for the Agency to disseminate information via a modern multi-media tool to an eagerly awaiting audience.  We hope this is only the start of a two way communication channel which will significantly increase awareness in the world of Ulster-Scots on a national and international level.”

At the time of the official launch of the new website in Belfast, Ulster-Scots Agency Board member, Jacqui Reed was en-route to the Stonemountain Highland Games where she will launch the new website internationally in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on Friday 16^th October, 2009.