Culture Minister invites people to Ulster-Scots consultation events

CULTURE Minister Carál Ní Chuilín is encouraging people with an interest in Ulster-Scots to attend Development and Research Strategy consultation events in Lisburn and Omagh this week.

A draft Development and Research Strategy and associated Grants Scheme for the Ministerial Advisory Group – Ulster-Scots Academy known as MAGUS, went out to public consultation on Monday 15 October 2012.

This week public consultation events which have been organised in association with the Ulster-Scots Community Network are taking place on Wednesday 14 November at 8pm at The Civic Centre, in Lisburn and on Thursday 15 November at 8pm at The Silverbirch Hotel, in Omagh.

Commenting on the consultation the Minister said: “The Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture is a valuable part of our shared cultural heritage.

“The purpose of the consultation is to seek views and feedback on the content of the draft Strategy and associated grant scheme which includes the rationale for the Ulster-Scots Academy approach, its vision, mission, and strategic objectives.

“The aim of the draft Strategy and the associated grant scheme is to promote development and research and to identify financial support for discrete projects under three streams of activity: Language and Literature; History, Heritage and Culture; Education and Research.

“I would encourage people to come out to these events to become more informed about the consultation so that they can respond before 7 of December 2012,”  added Minister Ní Chuilín.