Ulster-Scots Community Network, Belfast Videos

Who originally wrote the American Declaration of Independence? Hint: he was born in Ulster! Our Education & Outreach Officer Matthew Warwick gives you the answer!

Today our Education & Outreach Officer Matthew Warwick delivered a talk on the history of the Ulster-Scots, including a variety of music demonstrations! Do you like the pipes and drums?
Today our Education & Outreach Officer Matthew Warwick delivered a talk on the history of the Ulster-Scots, including a variety of music demonstrations! Do you like the pipes and drums?

Today our Education & Outreach Officer Matthew Warwick delivered a talk on the history of the Ulster-Scots to a tour group from America. This ended with a brief demonstration of the Lambeg Drum! Do you like the sound of the drum?
Today our Education & Outreach Officer Matthew Warwick delivered a talk on the history of the Ulster-Scots to a tour group from America. This ended with a brief demonstration of the Lambeg Drum! Do you like the sound of the drum?

We had a great first day at the Balmoral Show yesterday! Great seeing so many friendly faces. We’re back at the show for the remaining days – come and find us in the Eikon Shopping Village for some free goodies & a chat!
We had a great first day at the Balmoral Show yesterday! Great to see so many friendly faces! We’re back at the show today and for the remaining days – come and say hi in the Eikon Shopping Village and pick up some free Ulster-Scots goodies! Ulster-Scots Agency

Last night’s Blackthorn Pipers’ Society in the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre was a great success! Thank you to all who came to play and listen. Here are a few short clips of some of the evening’s pipers.

Last night’s Blackthorn Pipers’ Society in the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre was a great success! Thank you to all who came to play and listen. Here are a few short clips of some of the evening’s pipers.

Clover High School Band, SC, in Larne, County Antrim
Clover High School in South Carolina sent their band over to play in Larne - a sister town with Clover, South Carolina. The band performed the United States National Anthem - the Star Spangled Banner as part of their routine. The anthem originally written as a poem titled ‘Defence of Fort M’Henry’ by Francis Scott Key, was inspired after seeing the American flag still waving over Fort McHenry after a fierce battle against the British in the war of 1812. Fort McHenry was named for James McHenry - an Ulster-Scot, born in Larne - who then became a military surgeon and a founding father. He represented Maryland in the Continental Congress and served as US Secretary of War for George Washington and John Adams. The S

Happy International Women's Day! So many strong women of Ulster-Scots backgrounds have contributed in great ways to world history. In this short video, listen to our genealogist Deirdre talking about a handful of the most influential!

It was great to have our Ulster-Scots and Chinese New Year fusion festival event in the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre today! There was some bagpiping, a talk on Ulster-Scots and the historic connection between Ulster and China, and a very impressive traditional lion dance!

On this Remembrance Day 2023, we'd like to share with you a moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. ‘Is Boys’, written and spoken by well-known Ulster-Scots poet Charlie Gillen and is a tribute to the men of the 36th Ulster Division in World War I. The piece reflects the period in 1914 when many believed the war would be over by Christmas. However, the devastating reality is that trench warfare would continue for several more years, until November 1918. The closing sequence is of the Ulster Tower in Thiepval, France, erected in 1921 was a replica of Helen's Tower in the Clandeboye Estate in County Down. Many of the men in the 36th Ulster Division trained in the estate before being sent to the front. The inscription on the memorial at Ulster Tower reads: ‘This Tower is dedicated to the Glory of God in grateful memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 36th Ulster Division and of the Sons of Ulster in other forces who laid down their lives in the Great War and all of their comrades in arms who, by Divine Grace were spared to testify to their glorious deeds.’ We will remember them.