Ulster-Scots Culture & Heritage — P4/P7

Ulster-Scots culture

1. 1 Who are the Ulster-Scots? Descendants of Scottish and some English settlers who came to Ulster during the Plantation (1610 onwards). Form a significant part of the Unionist/Protestant community in Northern Ireland. Also known as Scots-Irish in North America.
2. 2 The Ulster-Scots language Also called Ullans. A Scots language dialect brought from Lowland Scotland. Spoken in parts of Counties Antrim, Down, Londonderry. Has its own vocabulary and grammar. Examples: wean (young child), brae (hillside), lough (loch), braw (fine/good).
3. 3 Traditional music Ulster-Scots traditional music is closely related to Scottish and Irish traditional music. Instruments: fiddle, bodhran, flute, uilleann pipes. Traditional Ulster-Scots tunes often similar to Scottish reels.
4. 4 Country and Scots-Irish music The Scots-Irish who settled in Appalachian America from the 18th century onward brought their music traditions. Bluegrass and country music have deep roots in this heritage.
5. 5 The Twelfth of July The main Ulster-Scots/Orange Order cultural celebration. Commemorates the Battle of the Boyne (1690). Orange Lodges parade with bands. Bonfires the night before (11th July). The Twelfth is central to Unionist/Protestant cultural identity.
6. 6 Scots-Irish in America Millions of Ulster-Scots emigrated to America in the 18th-19th centuries — particularly to Appalachia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. 11 US Presidents had Ulster-Scots ancestry, including Andrew Jackson.
7. 7 Ulster-Scots Agency A government body in Northern Ireland that promotes Ulster-Scots language, culture, and history. Resources available for schools at www.ulsterscotsagency.com.