Ulster-Scots Get Donegal Recognition

A new tourism centre which celebrates the history of Scots settlers in Ulster has opened in Co Donegal.

The Ulster-Scots Heritage Centre is at Monreagh in the Laggan district, an area of Donegal which itself is called after its Scottish highland namesake, the Laggan area beside Loch Lochy, close to Loch Ness.

"It will be a living attraction which will celebrate an Ulster Scots heritage that will attract tourists and generate income in the north-west and will be a significant addition to the many reasons for visiting this area," said Professor John Wilson, Director of the Institute of Ulster Scots Studies.

He also said that Tourism Ireland had developed a deliberate strategy to woo the Scots-Irish: "We think lots of people will be interested to travel to the centre as a way of establishing a link with forebears, many of whom sailed as entire congregations for North America," he added.

"It's a major new tourism project that will celebrate the history and heritage of Scottish settlers in Ulster, including luminary descendants such as the Reverend Francis Makemie, the founder of American Presbyterianism, and several US Presidents."

Developed by the Monreagh Ulster-Scots Heritage Association, the project was initiated by the Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies at the University of Ulster and has been supported by the International Fund for Ireland and the Irish Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The old manse at Monreagh near St Johnston is just five miles from the Donegal-Derry border and has been converted into the new centre, containing 17th and 18th century artefacts and displays that tell the story of how Presbyterian communities fled Ulster seeking freedom of religion and a new life in the 'New World'.

It contains information on historic events, such as the plantation of Ulster in the 17th Century, and each room focuses on a particular aspect of Ulster-Scots history.

Speaking at the opening launch on Thursday, the Department Minister, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, said: "The Government of Ireland values the contribution that our citizens of Ulster-Scots background make to Irish society.

"This centre is a testimony to the contribution that your forebears have made both at home and abroad."

Winston Patterson of the International Fund for Ireland said: "This centre celebrates the heritage of the Ulster-Scots community in Monreagh and further afield.

"It is a shared heritage: shared because, over the centuries, it has become deeply interwoven with that of every other community on this island," he said.

(BMcC/JM)