Council Set to Mark Ulster-Scots Language Week...

03 November 2023

Derry City and Strabane District Council is set to host a week-long programme of events to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week which runs from 20-24 November 2023.

Ulster-Scots Language Week or ‘Leid Week’ provides us with a unique opportunity to learn more about the Ulster-Scots language and to celebrate the contribution which Ulster-Scots makes to life throughout the city and district.

This year, Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to partner with the Ulster-Scots Agency to deliver a full programme of events which includes newly-commissioned poetry, short films, creative writing and flash-fiction workshops, lectures, and a unique resource to introduce children to the Ulster-Scots language.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue said she hoped the programme would appeal to people of all ages from across the city and district. She added “The Ulster-Scots oral tradition is unique to this part of the world; it can be heard in the everyday spoken language of people throughout the Council area and is a valued part of our shared linguistic heritage here. I hope that communities across the city and district avail of this unique opportunity to learn more about the Ulster-Scots language and the range of art forms which take inspiration from the tradition”.

Speaking ahead of the event, event organiser Pól Ó Frighil, Policy Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council said “We’re delighted to be working with Ulster-Scots writers, poets, musicians and with partners in our local Ulster-Scots community to showcase the rich heritage of the Ulster-Scots tradition in all its forms. We’re also delighted to have the continued support of the Ulster-Scots Agency in our efforts to promote greater awareness of the language throughout the Council area. All the events in our programme are free to attend, or are offered online, so we hope we can encourage as many people as possible to engage with the Ulster-Scots language and enjoy this unique week in our cultural calendar.”

Karen Stewart, Director of Corporate Services with the Ulster-Scots Agency said “The Agency is proud to work with Derry City and Strabane District Council again this year to deliver an exciting variety of events across the Council area and to build awareness of the Ulster-Scots language. Now in its fifth year, Ulster-Scots Language Week is going from strength to strength”.

Check out the council's full programme of events at www.derrystrabane.com/ulsterscotsweek

All events in the programme are free but booking for in-person events is essential. Please note that booking is not required for digital events streamed online.

To book your place at any of the events please contact ulsterscots@derrystrabane.com.