Ulster Scots history in Craigavon charted in new book

A newly developed booklet Ulster Scots in Craigavon containing a treasure trove of historical information on Ulster Scots and the Craigavon Borough is being showcased at the Stone Mountain Highland Games, Atlanta, Georgia USA this month. Launching the publication is Mark Wilson, World Champion Musician and Ulster Scots Ambassador; Raymond McCoy, Dollingstown Ulster Scots Cultural and Heritage Society; Craigavon Borough Councils Sandra Durand, Tourism Manager, Councillor Mark Baxter, Chair of Development Committee and Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development; Bruce Kidd, Dollingstown Ulster Scots Cultural and Heritage Society and Nigel Davison Bleary and District Pipe Band. INPT43-009

The innovative publication covers a number of topics including famous Ulster Scots folk from Craigavon, Ulster Scots culture, the way we talk, tracing your Ulster Scots ancestors in Craigavon and Ulster Scots food including a delicious recipe from Simon Dougan of the Yellow Door café.

Ulster Scots in Craigavon will also be showcased in America this month, courtesy of Tourism Ireland. A member of their delegation picked up a copy at the recent County Comes to Town event in Portadown and was so impressed they took some with them to the USA.

“The Stone Mountain Highland Games take place each year in Stone Mountain Park, north-east of Atlanta in Georgia, attracting over 80,000 visitors of Scots-Irish and Scots descent during the two-day festival. It is an ideal opportunity for Tourism Ireland to highlight Northern Ireland as a fantastic holiday destination and a place to discover the Ulster Scots tradition, which the booklet will demonstrate,” said Clair Balmer from Tourism Ireland.

Chair of the development committee, Councillor Mark Baxter, said: “I am delighted that Ulster Scots in Craigavon will be showcased at such a high profile event in the USA. It contains a treasure trove of historical information on Ulster Scots and the Craigavon borough and is the perfect read for people interested in researching the culture and heritage.”

Supported by Council and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure on the recommendation of the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Ulster Scots Academy, the booklet is the result of extensive local research and consultation with local groups including Dollingstown Ulster Scots Cultural and Heritage Society, Bleary Farmer’s Hall, Mourneview Grey and Hospital Estates Association, Portadown Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and a number of local pipe bands including Bleary and Battlehill.

Through Matthew Warwick and the Ulster Scots Community Network several local schools also participated in the publication including Maralin Village Primary School, Donaghcloney Primary School and King’s Park Primary School, Lurgan who took part in Ulster Scots Workshops.

DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “In supporting the publication of Ulster Scots in Craigavon, we are encouraging the whole community to explore its culture and heritage. This booklet is a gateway to the history which surrounds us, and continues to shape who we are today. I am pleased that so many groups have been involved in the research and hope it reflects a genuine interest in Ulster Scots across the borough of Craigavon and beyond.”

Copies of Ulster Scots in Craigavon are available from Craigavon Borough Council. To secure your copy, contact Susan Burns on 028 3831 2540 or email [email protected]