Local talent takes part in Ulster Scots event

Mayor of Craigavon Councillor Mark Baxter with singer and songwriter Caitlin Cousins who performed at the event

The special cultural evening, which saw over 300 Ulster Scots enthusiasts descend on Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre last Monday, was a mix of dance, music, literature and culinary delights providing an insight into the tradition of Ulster-Scots across the borough.

Caitlin, who sang the Scottish folk ballad Caledonia with the Bernagh Folk Group, said she felt honoured to be performing with them.

“Playing for the mayor was nerve wracking as well but I’m glad that once on stage it’s hard to see individual people, so that for me makes the performance easier.”

Caitlin has already written several of her own pieces and added: “Due to school work it’s hard to get a lot of writing time but I’m hoping once exams are over I can write a lot more original music.”

Key speakers on the night included BBC TV and Radio Presenter Liam Logan, and Ulster Scots music and dance was performed by a host of top class performers including Bleary & District Pipe Band, Mark Wilson and Bernagh Folk Group, Markethill Highland dancers, and World Championship winning Drum Major Lauren Abraham.

The event was also the perfect opportunity to showcase a newly developed publication Ulster Scots in Craigavon, which highlights Ulster Scots tradition across the borough.

Chair of the Development Committee, Councillor Carla Lockhart, commented “I am delighted to see so many local Ulster Scots enthusiasts come along to this fantastic event. The publication showcased on the night contains a treasure trove of historical information on Ulster Scots and is the perfect read for people interested in researching this area further.”

Copies of the publication Ulster Scots in Craigavon will be available from Craigavon Borough Council from the end of April. To secure your copy contact Susan Burns on 028 3831 2540 or email [email protected].