The award was made in support of a new project which will enable a group young people from Bright Lights Dance Group to learn more about the history of Ulster-Scots history and culture.

The new project – Understanding US (The Ulster-Scots Story) – will focus on the history of Ulster-Scots history, culture, language, dance and music. Working in partnership with the Ulster Scots Network and the Grand Orange Lodge the young people will learn more about Ulster Scots identity and history, including the movement of lowland Scots into Ulster as part of the Plantation scheme of the early 1600s, the early settler’s cultural traditions and the development of Belfast as an Ulster-Scots city.

The young people will take part in educational workshops and site visits to Belfast City Hall, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the Orange Order Museum to research and learn more about their cultural roots. They will study the development of music and dance throughout the period, devising and performing a new contemporary dance piece which will be showcased during a special celebratory finale event.

The participants will take an active role in producing a booklet to share this heritage with others, and in a series of dance and costume making workshops. They will engage with their heritage and help to raise awareness of the Ulster-Scots story amongst other young people and the wider community.

Funding for the project was awarded through the HLF Young Roots programme, which is designed specifically to encourage young people aged between 13-25 to develop, manage and take the lead in heritage projects that are of interest to them. 

Announcing the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “We are delighted to support his project which will enable young people from East Belfast to uncover, engage with and learn more about the Ulster- Scots story and their cultural and historical roots. 

“We are always interested in helping local communities get involved in the heritage that matters to them so if you have an idea for a heritage project in East Belfast or Castlereagh, why not get in touch with us to see if funding would be available to support your plans.” 

Tilly Hayes from Bright Lights, added: “The young people are so looking forward to exploring their Ulster-Scots roots and presenting their story through dance. On behalf of the participants I sincerely thank HLF for their support of our project.”

HLF has a range of programmes to support heritage based projects both large and small, and since 1994 has awarded £146million to projects across Northern Ireland. For more information about HLF and its grants programmes, please call 028 9031 0120


Notes to editors

Since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £146million to projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Heritage Lottery Fund Press Office, Robert Smith, roberts@hlf.org.uk, 020 7591 6245