Ulster-Scots enthusiasts dig deep for promotional visit

Cairncastle Ulster Scots Folk Festival Group members met with 18 different groups from diverse backgrounds including Orange lodges, arts societies, musical and dancing clubs, as well as Scottish councillors on a very busy weekend recently.

Their objective was to create as much interest as possible in the annual Cairncastle Ulster-Scots Folk Festival, which this year will be held between July 28-August 1.

The organisers’ request for financial assistance from Larne Borough Council for the promotional tour - on the basis that it would help to boost tourist numbers - was rejected, which meant the Cairncastle group travelled at their own expense to build on relationships that have been established over the past few years

More than 2,000 leaflets have been distributed inviting people to attend festival promotional musical nights featuring the Larne-based Grousebeaters folk band in Irvine and Ayr on February 19 and 20.

Historian and Newtownabbey councillor Fraser Agnew, who became an adviser to the Cairncastle group in early 2009, accompanied them to Scotland. He said: "I was astonished at the strength of interest in the Ulster-Scots movement, but also concerned at the minimal input and failure to recognise the enormous potential by statutory agencies.

“The Cairncastle group deserve enormous credit for their work in developing links with the west coast of Scotland. One can see the benefit through the music of the Grousebeaters and their enormous popularity in Scotland, both on the stage and radio. There is a real awakening of interest, not just in the music but in the Ulster-Scots’ history.”

Mr Agnew added: “As the links continue to develop so the number of visitors to the Larne area will increase, particularly for the folk festival in July. Others should look at the success of the work of the Cairncastle committee, who give their time freely yet are able to make a considerable impact and an input into the local tourist economy.”