An unlikely pair collaborate for Ulster Scots series

Dr David Hume will join Tim McGarry for the four-part series The Long and Short of it, starting on BBC Radio Ulster this weekend.

In the programme, the duo investigates little known Ulster-Scots stories and well-known historical events from different perspectives.

Throughout the series, they will delve into the Ulster Plantation, the 1798 Rebellion, the Great Famine and Larne gun-running.

“I had a ball making this programme,” Tim said. “Sometimes we in Northern Ireland take our history too seriously, or use it as a cudgel to beat each other over the head. David and I found that our history is also interesting, quirky, surprising, fun and a lot less straightforward than we often think.”

The subject matter was familiar territory for Dr Hume, a well-known Orangeman who is heavily involved with Ballycarry’s annual Broadisland Gathering.

“Tim was great fun to work with and we share a common interest in exploring the fascinating history which everyone shares,” he said.

“Having been involved with hospital radio for many years in the past, I enjoy the medium of radio and we look at what are very formative events in Ulster history in what will hopefully be an informative and entertaining series.

“We bring different perspectives to the subjects which we cover .”

The Long And Short Of It starts on BBC Radio Ulster this Sunday, July 20 at 4pm and is repeated on Wednesdays at 7.30pm.