Ballyclare showcased in BBC Ulster Scots series

Presenters Mark Thompson and Ruth Sanderson travelled to the Six Mile Valley to hear about the region’s links to the Ulster Scots language and traditions.

In the episode, broadcast on Sunday (March 14), they heard from Jack McKinney and how Ballyclare was once the home of paper making in Ireland for over 200 years.

Lindy Reid spoke about her husband Archie’s film making career.

Ruth met with Rev John Nelson to learn more about south Antrim’s links with Scotland and a mighty revival that swept across the Six Mile Water Valley.

The talents of Ballyboley Pipe Band were also highlighted in the episode.

Speaking to the Times, the band’s secretary, Catherine Weatherup, said: “We are incredibly proud of our 100-year history of piping and drumming tradition in Ballyboley Pipe Band. It was great to be able to showcase a bit of what the band is about on Hame.

“We have had many talented pipers and drummers come up through the band over the years and it was great to be able show how proud we are of young Andrew Nelson, the current All-Ireland Under 16 Champion, as he played alongside our Pipe Major Drew McAnally.

“The band has always been at the centre of a rural community, encouraging local people, young and old, to get involved. And as our Pipe Major said on the programme, we are very much looking forward to better days when we can get back to playing and competing as a band once again.”

Hame is a Below the Radar production for BBC Northern Ireland, made with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.

The episode is now availbale to view on the BBC iPlayer.

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