Thursday 6 March 2014

Conference: Ulster and Scotland's shared inheritance

On 25 and 26 March, Ulster Historical Foundation will host a special conference at the Europa Hotel in Belfast to explore the rich links and myriad connections between Ireland, and more particularly Ulster, and Scotland.

With contributions from notable and accomplished speakers from many different disciplines, the conference aims to increase our knowledge of Ulster-Scots history and culture and to demonstrate the positive contribution that Ulster-Scots can make to a shared inheritance. It promises to be challenging, thought provoking and entertaining. Here's the programme:

Tuesday 25 March evening (6pm–10pm)
  • Reception and dinner
  • ‘The other Tongues’ recitals and presentations
  • Musical entertainment Sontas – fusion of Ulster-Scots and traditional Irish music and dance.
Wednesday 26 March (9am–5pm) 9.00-9.30am Tea/coffee registration. View exhibition.
  • ‘as ithers see us’, with Billy Kay
  • Shared Future? What about our Shared Past? with Mark Thompson
  • Northern Ireland in the Fabric of Musical Traditions, with Martin Dowling
  • Gaelic traditions of the Sea of Moyle, with Aodan Mac Poiin
  • What’s the Story? Ulster-Scots and the media – Ulster-Scots in the media, with Moore Sinnerton
  • Lunch 1pm-2pm
  • Different perspectives on the Ulster Scots, with William Roulston
  • The loom of language, with Roger Blaney
  • Developing Ulster Scots in the community, with Iain Carlisle
  • Progressive Presbyterians? Whatever happened to the spirit of ’98? with Andrew Holmes
  • English Presbyterians; forgotten Scots; and bad ‘Scotch eggs’ – no wonder Dublin is different! with Linde Lunney
  • Tim McGarry’s Ulster-Scots Journey, with Tim McGarry

The conference is free of charge and open to all, but registration by email is essential. Please note that preference will be given in the first instance to those who will be attending both the Tuesday evening reception and the lecture programme on the Wednesday. Refreshments and lunch will be available on the Wednesday.

This event is sponsored by the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) – Ulster Scots Academy of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, with the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and Colm Cille.