Scots-Irish Today

02/12/2025

In case you missed it on TV, here's episode 5 of Ulster Unplugged!

Hosted by Rab Lennox (The Big Rab Show) and Amanda Agnew, the series shines a light on local musicians, real stories, and the heart of our culture — recorded at McConnells Bar Doagh.

This episode features Andy McGregor with his band Kask, bringing traditional Ulster-Scots music to life with a fresh, exciting, and modern energy while staying true to the heritage that shaped it. Their sound is proud, dynamic, and unmistakably Ulster.

If you love authentic local music, the stories behind the songs, and the living traditions of this place, you won’t want to miss it.

Episode five of Ulster Unplugged, a show hosted by Rab Lennox and Amanda Agnew featuring interviews with local musicians with and live performances, recorded...

29/11/2025

What an exceptional day for Ulster heritage and community spirit.
Belfast came alive today as people gathered to celebrate Belfast Tartan Day, a proud moment for all who cherish Ulster-Scots culture, tradition, and identity.

The Belfast International Tattoo joined the dander through the city, adding music, colour, and the unmistakable sound of our shared heritage. From pipers to tartan, from families to long-held traditions, it was a celebration of who we are and the history that shaped us.

Days like this remind us that Ulster-Scots culture isn’t just something found in books or old stories — it’s living, growing, and carried forward by the communities who keep it alive.

A proud day for Ulster, and a reminder of the strength of our roots.
Ulster-Scots Agency



Read more here:

Christmas shoppers stopped what they were doing to take in the tartan-clad parade through the city centre.

29/11/2025

29/11/2025

23/11/2025

A song of longing, distance, and the deep pull of home, it carries the voice of generations who left these shores… and those who stayed. Its melody holds the ache of the sea, the sweetness of youth remembered, and that unmistakable Ulster yearning for the place where your heart first learned to beat.

It’s a song that belongs to our people — to our heritage, our history, and our sense of home.

Here’s a beautiful performance of Carrickfergus that captures the spirit of Ulster in every note.

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5xrjg3LEho&list=RDE5xrjg3LEho&start_radio=1

Tartan Riot

09/11/2025

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow…”

A timeless reminder of sacrifice, courage, and the cost of peace.

We remember those who gave everything — and those who still live with the echoes of war. 🌺

08/11/2025

“The Quiet Fields”

In quiet fields where poppies grow,
The winds of Ulster softly blow.
Names once spoken, faces gone,
Yet in our hearts, they still live on.

They left their homes, their hills, their glens,
They fought as soldiers, brothers, friends.
For peace, for honour, for the right,
They marched through shadow into light.

So let us pause, both proud and still,
To honour those of steadfast will.
Their memory guides, their courage stays,
Through all our nights and brighter days.

We will remember them.


Ulster-Scots
Ulster-Scots Academy
Ulster Scots, Canadian, American History
Ulster Scots
Ulster-Scots Agency

17/08/2025

Join us on Radio Ulster at 6.30pm for Episode 1 of our new radio series Ulster Scots Rhythms. On this episode presenter Lisa Flavelle talks to Dr Frank Ferguson and Maebh McKeon and we listen to music by Ailsa and the North Antrim and Derry Fiddlers.

New Radio Series: Ulster-Scots Rhythms

Supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, BBC Northern Ireland & Scots-Irish Today present Ulster-Scots Rhythms, a series celebrating the rich musical heritage of the Ulster-Scots community.

Tune in from Sunday, 17th of August, at 6.30pm on BBC Radio Ulster & BBC Sounds.