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And incredibly, 52 per cent of people in WELB said they were not aware of the Ulster-Scots language, whilst 79 per cent of people said they would not like to learn more about it.

The startling figures emerged from a new analysis of Public Views on Ulster-Scots Culture, Heritage and Language in Northern Ireland carried out by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL).

On a more positive note seventy-seven per cent of people living in the western area believed children should study the Plantation of Ulster at school.

But the research also revealed ambivalent attitudes towards Ulster-Scots in the western counties.

Just eight per cent of people living in WELB perceived themselves to be an Ulster-Scot. This falls well below the 18 per cent of respondents in Northern Ireland and far below the 29 per cent in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area.

Enthusiasts, however, were markedly passionate about the Ulster-Scots tradition.

Eleven per cent of respondents “strongly agreed” that Ulster-Scots was a valuable part of the the culture of Northern Ireland.

An equal percentage had participated in Ulster-Scots cultural activities ranging from festivals, playing music, dancing, drama and history, literature and language classes.

Equally, 14 per cent of people had attended Ulster-Scots events ranging from parades (including seasonal marches), concerts, festivals, dances, plays and lectures.

Thirteen per cent of those surveyed also “strongly agreed” that Ulster-Scots was an important part of the history and heritage of Northern Ireland.

And eight per cent "strongly agreed" that "learning about Ulster-Scots traditions in the school curriculum has educational benefits for children at school in Northern Ireland."

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland welcomed the findings for Northern Ireland as a whole.

He commented: "These results show that Ulster-Scots continues to be widely recognised, across both sections of our community, as an integral part of the cultural fabric of Northern Ireland.

“As such, and as part of a shared future, it is only right and proper that we continue to support and promote this important aspect of our culture."

The random and representative sample of 1,212 adults across Northern Ireland ensures that the survey findings are a reliable measure of public opinion

Focussing on particular findings from the survey, the Minister said: "This independent survey has revealed that over half of respondents felt that children should have the option of studying Ulster-Scots history at school. This reinforces my firm belief, and that of many others, that Ulster-Scots should be part of the wider curriculum.

“In addition to the education sector, I challenge all those involved in supporting cultural knowledge and understanding in museums, libraries and the arts sector to consider and respond positively to the views expressed by the public in this survey.”

The Minister continued: “I am also pleased that 43 per cent of respondents agreed that Ulster-Scots is a valuable part of the culture of Northern Ireland.

“When you bear in mind that 1 per cent in this survey represents 14,000 people, this finding equates to over 600,000 in Northern Ireland. Once again this shows the importance of Ulster-Scots culture in our everyday life.”