Mid Ulster council paying 'lip-service' to development of Ulster-Scots language policy, claims Ulster Unionist
As progress is being made on delivering an Irish Language Policy in Mid Ulster, the need to devise a similar policy to promote Ulster-Scots has been highlighted.
The policy aim, in relation to the Irish language, has been defined as follows by the local authority.
“Mid Ulster District Council aims to take resolute and positive actions that will aspire to promote, enhance and protect the Irish language within the council and district.
“Policy objectives [are] to encourage the use of Irish in both speech and writing within the district and council; to promote a range of initiatives that will reduce intolerance and promote understanding of the Irish language across the district and within the council; to preserve townland names through the use of appropriate signage; to recognise and celebrate the Irish language within the broader context of linguistic and cultural diversity across the district and council.”
Another aim is to maintain and develop links between groups using Irish with other groups using Irish and/or Ulster Scots.
Councillor Trevor Wilson (UUP) explained at the latest Development committee meeting that he was anxious to see the Ulster Scots language and culture being promoted as well.
He said: “On the Irish Language Policy, we do not have anything within the Minority Languages [Working Group] on Ulster-Scots, and I’ve raised this on numerous [occasions].
“With the greatest respect, we’re paying lip service to that. I think we should have some sort of policy on Ulster-Scots.”
Head of Community Development, Claire Linney, explained that there are plans to develop a policy on Ulster-Scots in due course.
She said: “You’re right, we have the Uster-Scots Policy that was adopted back at the same time as the first Irish Language Policy.
“What we plan to do is similar to what we’ve done with the Irish Language Policy, to do a full review of it, and also to do its own action plan.
“We have started the conversation with the Ulster-Scots Agency to develop that plan, and then [we will] start the review of the policy.”
Cllr Wilson further enquired: “The two policies came out together on the Irish language and the Ulster-Scots, and we only have one [policy] here before us. Can you give me a timeline for the Ulster-Scots coming back?”
The council officer explained that devising an Irish Language Policy was a time-consuming process; however, there will be a similar focus on promoting Ulster-Scots as well.
She continued: “Getting through the different working groups and all probably took us about five or six months.
“So, we will do the same in terms of taking the Ulster-Scots review through, but we’re planning to separate the policy and the action plan, because the action plan will be renewed annually, based on budget.
“We do plan on having the action plan ready to come in March time, and then hopefully we’ll have the policy at the same time, but if we don’t, we’ll take the action plan anyway, and then the policy can follow.”
Council Chair, Councillor Frances Burton (DUP) stressed the importance of promoting both languages and cultures equally.