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====== Ulster-Scots in the United Kingdom ======

==== Language designations: ====
  * In the language itself: Ulstèr-Scotch or Ullans
  * [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#ISO 639-3|ISO 639-3]] standard: This language has no ISO 639-3 code. It is included within the Scots language as a dialect with the following code: sco

==== Language vitality according to: ====
^  [[https://en.wal.unesco.org/countries/united-kingdom-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/languages/ulster-scots-0|UNESCO]]  ^  [[https://www.ethnologue.com/language/sco/|Ethnologue]]  ^  [[http://www.endangeredlanguages.com/|Endangered Languages]]  ^  [[https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/ulst1239|Glottolog]]  ^
|  {{:endangerment:orange.png:|Severely endangered}}  |  {{:endangerment:blue.png:|Stable}}  |  n/a  |  n/a  |                                                
==== Linguistic aspects: =====
  * Classification: Indo-European → Germanic → North-Sea Germanic →  Anglo-Frisian → Anglic → Scots →  Mid Scots → Ulster Scots. For more information, see [[http://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/ulst1239|ulst1239]] at [[http://glottolog.org/|Glottolog]]
  * Script: Latin

==== Language standardisation ====

[[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/hamely-tongue/h/hoose.php|The Hamely Tongue: A Personal Record of Ulster-Scots in County Antrim]] by James Fenton, first published in 1994 and with a fourth edition published in 2014, can be used as a dictionary, with more than  3000 word entries. 

In 2013, the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group (USAIG) published the [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/spelling-guide/introduction.php|Ulster-Scots Language Guides: Spelling and Pronunciation Guide]], in which the authors state that the publication "demonstrates that agreement on standard spellings for modern Ulster-Scots can be, and indeed has been, achieved." ((Herbison, I. et al., (2013). Introduction. In: //Ulster-Scots Language Guides: Spelling and Pronunciation Guide//.   
[[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/spelling-guide/introduction.php]].))

Moreover, the Ulster-Scots Academy is working on //The Complete Ulster-Scots Dictionary: A full historical record of the written and spoken language//. It is a work  in progress, but part of it, the [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/dictionary/english-ulster-scots/index.php|Ulster-Scots Dictionary Volume 1: English / Ulster-Scots]], is available online.




===== Demographics =====

==== Language Area ====

Ulster-Scots is spoken in large parts of Ulster, in the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, especially within the rural parts of the counties of Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, and Down in Northern Ireland, as well as Donegal in the Republic of Ireland ((Montgomery, M. (2006). The morphology and syntax of Ulster Scots. English World-Wide, 27(3), 295–329. https://doi.org/10.1075/eww.27.3.05mon)).

{{:languages:481px-ulster_locator_map.svg.png?nolink&400|}}{{:languages:mm_2017:ulster-scots_speakers_in_the_2011_census_in_northern_ireland.png?nolink&400|}}

Left: Map of the isle of Ireland showing the area of Ulster.((Rannpháirtí anaithnid (2012). Locator map of Ulster. //Wikimedia Commons//. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license: [[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Ulster_locator_map.svg]].)) \\ 
Right: Map of Northern Ireland showing the percentages of the population who stated that they can speak Ulster-Scots in the 2011 census ((SkateTier (2011, May 9) //Ulster-Scots speakers in the 2011 census in Northern Ireland. //Wikimedia Commons//. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license//. [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ulster-Scots_speakers_in_the_2011_census_in_Northern_Ireland.png]].)). 

==== Speaker numbers ====

===Northern Ireland===

The Northern Ireland Census 2021 registered that, out of the 1,836,619 residents aged 3 and over, 61,032 people (3.32%) can speak Ulster Scots, of which 30,499 people speak Ulster Scots daily (that is, 1.66% of the total population and 49,97% of the Ulster Scots speakers). The highest percentages of Ulster Scots speakers can be found in the local government districts of Mid and East Antrim (7.45%) and Causeway Coast and Glens (7.46%) ((Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2022). //Northern Ireland Census 2021: Ethnicity, identity, language and religion, dataset Frequency of speaking Ulster-Scots MS-B10//. [[https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/census-2021-main-statistics-language-tables]].)).

The Continuous Household Survey 2019/20 found that 16% of the adult population in Northern Ireland had some knowledge of Ulster-Scots, that is, they can understand,
speak, read or write Ulster-Scots. This is an increase compared to the results of the Continuous Household Survey in 2015/16 and 2017/18 . Of the adult population in Northern Ireland, 5% can speak, 4% can read, and 1% can write Ulster-Scots. The survey shows that 34% of the adults who can speak Ulster-Scots, use Ulster-Scots at home at least very occasionally, and 34% of the speakers use Ulster-Scots socially ((Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2020, November 26). //Knowledge and use of Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland: Findings from the Continuous Household Survey 2019/20//. [[https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/system/files/publications/communities/knowledge-and-use-of-ulster-scots-in-northern-ireland-201920.pdf]].)).

percentage of adult population in Northern Ireland concerning Ulster-Scots language skills, according to the Continuous Household Survey 2019/20 ((Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2020, November 26). //Knowledge and use of Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland: Findings from the Continuous Household Survey 2019/20//. [[https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/system/files/publications/communities/knowledge-and-use-of-ulster-scots-in-northern-ireland-201920.pdf]].)).

^can understand ^ can speak ^ can read ^ can write ^
| 15% | 5% | 4% | 1% |  

=== Within the UK: England, Scotland and Wales ===

According to the UK Census 2021, there were 13 speakers of Ulster-Scots spread across England (12 speakers) and Wales (1 speaker) ((Office for National Statistics (ONS (2022, November 29). Statistical bulletin, Language, England and Wales: Census 2021. //ONS website.// [[https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/culturalidentity/language/bulletins/languageenglandandwales/census2021]].)). No data is available for Scotland, as the 2011 census reports on Scots, but not Ulster Scots ((National Records of Scotland. (2011). Scottish Council Area 2011 by Language proficiency (spoken English) then Gaelic Language Skills : 9-way classification then Scots Language Skills : 9-way classification then Language (Flat) by Term-time Address (Indicator) and Age. //Scotland's Census 2011//.[[https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/webapi/jsf/tableView/tableView.xhtml]].)). 

=== Outside of the UK ===

Ulster Scots is spoken in the Republic of Ireland, in the county of Donegal ((UNECSO (2023). Ulster Scots in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. //World Atlas of Languages //. [[https://en.wal.unesco.org/countries/united-kingdom-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/languages/ulster-scots-0]].))((Montgomery, M. (2006). The morphology and syntax of Ulster Scots. English World-Wide, 27(3), 295–329. https://doi.org/10.1075/eww.27.3.05mon)), but the Irish census does not include data on Ulster-Scots speakers ((Central Statistics Office (CSO) (2016). Census 2016 Reports. // Central Statistics Office//.[[https://www.cso.ie/en/census/census2016reports/]].)). 

No data is available, but Ulster-Scots language communities are (or historically were) present in the USA, Canada, and Australia due to emigration ((Ulster-Scots Agency (n.d.) An introduction to the Ulster-Scots Language. //Ulster-Scots Agency//. [[https://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/what-is-ulster-scots/language/]].))(( Ulster-Scots Community Network (n.d.). Emigration & Influence. //Discover Ulster-Scots.//https://discoverulsterscots.com/emigration-influence]].)).

----

====== Education of the language ======
===== History of language education =====

Ulster-Scots has been, until recent times, a stigmatised variety, and children were discouraged to use it at school, including punishment for using the language((The Ulster-Scots Language Society (n.d.). About us. //The Ulster-Scots Language Society//. [[http://www.ulsterscotslanguage.com/en/about-us/]].))((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)). It is in the [[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-belfast-agreement|Belfast Agreement of 1998]] that a need to support linguistic diversity was first articulated:  "All participants recognise the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland." The process of devolvement through the successive agreements and acts that ended up with the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly have enabled Northern Ireland to take, among many other things, autonomous decisions regarding education and language policy. \\ 

In 2001, the UK government ratified the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|European Charter for Regional and Minority languages]], and recognised Ulster-Scots under Part II. This has provided Ulster-Scots with a certain degree of protection. The singing of the [[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-st-andrews-agreement-october-2006|St. Andrews agreement of 2006]] (also known as the Northern Ireland Act of 2006), further confirmed this trend towards an expansion in the recognition and promotion of the language. In the agreement it is stated that "The Government firmly believes in the need to enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture and will support the incoming Executive in taking this forward". In the same year, a website for schools was launched to help children learn the language((BBC NEWS, UK, Northern Ireland (2006, March 31). Ulster-Scots launch schools site. //BBC News//. [[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4862990.stm]].))

===== Legislation of language education =====
==== European legislation ====

Ulster-Scots is recognised by the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages|European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages]](ECRML. This came into effect in 2001, and the language is protected by Part II, which includes articles on education:
  * 1.f: the provision of appropriate forms and means for the teaching and study of regional or minority languages at all appropriate stages
  * 1.g: the provision of facilities enabling non-speakers of a regional or minority language living in the area where it is used to learn it if they so desire;
  * 1.h: the promotion of study and research on regional or minority languages at universities or equivalent institutions

As Ulster-Scots is not recognised under Part III of the Charter, there are no specific undertakings ratified concerning education. The latest state reports, reports of the Committee of Experts (COMEX) and Committee of Ministers' Recommendations can be found [[https://www.coe.int/en/web/european-charter-regional-or-minority-languages/reports-and-recommendations#{%2228993157%22:[24]}|here]].

The [[https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/european-charter-regional-and-minority-languages|Inter-departmental Charter Implementation Group]] (ICIG), hosted by the Department for Communities (DfC), supports the government of Northern Ireland in the implementation of the ECRML.

==== National and regional legislation ====

===Belfast Agreement of 1998===
It is in the [[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-belfast-agreement|Belfast Agreement of 1998]] that a need to support linguistic diversity was first articulated:  "All participants recognise the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland." The process of devolvement through the successive agreements and acts that ended up with the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly have enabled Northern Ireland to take, among many other things, autonomous decisions regarding education and language policy.

===St. Andrews agreement of 2006===

The singing of the [[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-st-andrews-agreement-october-2006|St. Andrews agreement of 2006]] (also known as the Northern Ireland Act of 2006), further confirmed this trend towards an expansion in the recognition and promotion of the language. In the agreement it is stated that "The Government firmly believes in the need to enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture and will support the incoming Executive in taking this forward". Since the St. Andrews agreement 2006, language legislation was devolved from London to the Northern Ireland Asembly ((The St Andrews Agreement, October 2006 (2006). [[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-st-andrews-agreement-october-2006]].)).

====policies ====
===Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture strategy for 2015 to 2035===

In line with the commitments of the Belfast Agreement of 1998 and the St. Andrews agreement of 2006, the [[https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/ulster-scots-language-heritage-and-culture-strategy-2015-2035|strategy to enhance and develop the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture 2015 to 2035]] was developed. Concerning education, the strategy states:
  * Aim 1: Promote and safeguard the status of, and respect for, the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.
    * Objective 1: To increase respect for the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.
    * Objective 3: To develop Ulster Scots as a living language in line with the [[general_information:european_legislation|European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages]]
    * Objective 4: To meet the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and cultural duties of the [[general_information:european_legislation#Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (1995)|European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities]] and the [[general_information:international_legislation#Covenants by the United Nations|United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child]]
    * Objective 5: To provide sustainable and quality educational provision relating to all aspects of the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.

  * Aim 2: Build up the sustainability,capacity and infrastructure of the Ulster-Scots community
    * Objective 7: To establish an Ulster-Scots Academy
    * Objective 8: To maximise the economic andsocial benefits of the Ulster-Scots language,heritage and culture.

  * Aim 3: Foster an inclusive, wider understanding of the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture in a way that will contribute towards building a strong and shared community
    * Objective 9: To commission quality research in Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.
    * Objective 10: To increase the amount and quality of Ulster-Scots media provision,particularly television broadcasting and online material.
    * Objective 11: To increase positive cross-community attitudes towards, and a wider understanding of, the Ulster-Scots language,heritage and culture

  * Strategic outcomes:
    * the establishment of a quality,thriving, sustainable Ulster-Scots Academy;
    * increased visibility of and accessibility to quality Ulster-Scots provision in the education system;
    * an agreed standard written form of Ulster Scots;
    * quality Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture research findings which are disseminated widely and impact positively on the future of Ulster Scots.

However, the further development of the strategy has been delayed, as the Northern Ireland Executive collapesed in January 2017 and was absent until January 2020, due to disagreement on legislation for the Irish language ((Council of Europe. (2021). //Fifth Report submitted by the United Kingdom Pursuant to Article 25, paragraph 2 of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities//. [[https://rm.coe.int/5th-sr-uk-en/1680a46ed7.]] It was expected that by the end of 2021, a (final) Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture strategy would be published, but this is still in development ((Council of Europe. (2021) //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Evaluation by the Committee of Experts: Evaluation of the Implementation of the Recommendations for Immediate Action contained in the Committee of Experts’ fifth evaluation report on the United Kingdom and Isle of Man.// [[https://rm.coe.int/ukevaliria5-en/1680a287e0]].))((Department for Communities (n.d.) //Development of an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy//. [[https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/development-irish-language-strategy-and-ulster-scots-language-heritage-and-culture-strategy]].)). The Comittee of Experts of the ECRML recommended the authorities to "adopt a strategy to promote Ulster Scots in education and other areas of public life" in their fifth report (2021)((Council of Europe. (2021) //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Evaluation by the Committee of Experts: Evaluation of the Implementation of the Recommendations for Immediate Action contained in the Committee of Experts’ fifth evaluation report on the United Kingdom and Isle of Man.// [[https://rm.coe.int/ukevaliria5-en/1680a287e0]].)).

===Department of Education language policy===

The Department of Education has a language policy that allows the use of Ulster-Scots for communication with the department, but the policy "does not cover language provision within the school curriculum." ((Department of Education (2022, August). //Department of Education language policy.// https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/de-language-policy))


===== Support structure =====

The school system in Northern Ireland is in hands of the Department of Education, which in turn is accountable to the Assembly, through the Minister of Education((Perry, C. (2016). Education system in Northern Ireland. Retrieved from http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/27354/1/4416.pdf)). Furthermore, individual schools are run by a Board of Governors ((Perry, C. (2016). Education system in Northern Ireland. Retrieved from http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/27354/1/4416.pdf)). The Department of Education takes care of education in Northern Ireland, and is responsible for the execution of education policy, mainly in pre-school, primary, post-primary and special education and the youth service ((Department of Education. (n.d.). //About the Department of Education//. [[https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/about-department-education
]].))

The Department of Education is supported by non-departamental public bodies, called Arms Length Bodies ((Department of Education. (n.d.) //We work with these bodies.// [[https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/]].)). One of these is the [[https://www.comhairle.org/|Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta]], the representative body for Irish-medium Education in Northern-Ireland. This body was established in 2000 by the Department of Education, and receives a grant from the Department of Education to run the organisation and the implementation of an annual plan ((Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (n.d.) //About us//. [[https://www.comhairle.org/english/about/about-us/]].)). There is no equivalent of such a body for Ulster Scots, nor is there any of the Arms Length Bodies dedicated to the language. 

Currently, the Department of Education has no supporting role for Ulster-Scots in education, and support comes from two other organisations, namely, the Ulster- Scots Agency and the CCEA ((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].))

==== Institutional support ====

=== The Ulster-Scots Agency ===

The [[https://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/|Ulster-Scots Agency]] was established as a result of the [[languages:ulster_scots_in_the_uk#Belfast Agreement of 1998|Belfast agreement in 1998]], together with //Foras na Gaeilge// which has the aim to develop Irish language education. These two boards form the //Board of the North/ South Language Body /Tha Boord o Leid in Ullans.//.

The Ulster-Scots Agency aims to: 
  * promote the study, conservation, development and use of Ulster-Scots as a living language; 
  * encourage and develop the full range of its attendant culture; 
  * promote an understanding of the history of the Ulster-Scots

Concerning education, the Ulster-Scots Agency offers to organise after school clubs, school drama, and both music and dance workshops((Ulster-Scots Agency. (n.d.).// Education.// Retrieved June 13, 2023, from [[http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/education/]])).

The Ulster-Scots Agency organises the Ulster-Scots Flagship School [USFS] programme, a cultural and educational programme to support "primary schools in the development of high quality educational and curriculum opportunities for children and young people to learn more about Ulster-Scots traditions and culture." ((Ulster-Scots Agency. (n.d.).// Introducing the Ulster-Scots Flagship School Programme.// [[https://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/fs/doc/flagship-schools-programme/USA_Flagship_Programme_(Final_Version).pdf]].))

In 2017, the Ulster-Scots Agency launched the [[http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news/article/264/ulster-scots-agency-launches-new-ingenious-ulster-science-roadshow/ |Ingenious Ulster Science Roadshow]], which "encourages pupils to engage with science by learning about famous Ulster-Scots scientists and inventors"((Agency Launches Ingenious Ulster Science Roadshow. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2017, from http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news/article/264/ulster-scots-agency-launches-new-ingenious-ulster-science-roadshow/)). Fifty-six schools are involved in the project((Ulster-Scots Agency (2017, May 23). //Agency Launches Ingenious Ulster Science Roadshow.// [[http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news/article/264/ulster-scots-agency-launches-new-ingenious-ulster-science-roadshow/]])). The objective behind this project is to show the role that Ulster-Scots can play in a wide range of subjects((Agency Launches Ingenious Ulster Science Roadshow. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2017, from http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news/article/264/ulster-scots-agency-launches-new-ingenious-ulster-science-roadshow/)).

The Ulster-SCots Agency recognises schools "that have developed sustainable, whole-school programmes about Ulster-Scots culture and heritage" with the //Ulster-Scots School of Excellence// status ((Ulster-Scots Agency. (n.d.) //Ulster-Scots School of Excellence//. [[https://discoverulsterscots.com/learning/education/ulster-scots-school-excellence]].))

=== Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) ===

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has accredited materials to learn the language as well as to learn about the community: //Ulster-Scots for Primary Schools: Shared Language, Culture & Heritage.//

Within the context of the Strategy 2015-2035, the CCEA was set to develop fifteen units of work for post-primary schools in 2015, which would mean a significant extension in the availability of Ulster-Scots in the curriculum. This work has been undertaken at the University of Ulster((Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. (2016). Strategy to Enhance and Develop the ULSTER-SCOTS Language, Heritage and Culture 2015 – 2035 One year on. Belfast: Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Retrieved from https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dcal/The%20Ulster-Scots%20Strategy%20-%20one%20year%20on%20-%20March%202016_0.pdf)) ((Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. (2016). Strategy to Enhance and Develop the ULSTER-SCOTS Language, Heritage and Culture 2015 – 2035 One year on. Belfast: Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Retrieved from https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dcal/The%20Ulster-Scots%20Strategy%20-%20one%20year%20on%20-%20March%202016_0.pdf)).

===The Ulster-Scots Academy===

[[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/|The Ulster-Scots Academy]] is part of the [[http://www.ulsterscotslanguage.com/|Ulster-Scots Language Society]] and hosts a large collections of Ulster-Scots text or audio records. Its aim is to record, collect, conserve study, promote and disseminate "written and spoken Ulster-Scots in its cultural and historical contexts, in association with native speakers, and to the highest academic standards" ((The Ulster-Scots Academy (n.d.) //About the Ulster-Scots Academy//. [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/about.php]].))

===The Ulster-Scots Community Network===
[[http://www.ulster-scots.com/index.aspx|The Ulster-Scots Community Network]] is an umbrella organisations for Ulster-Scots, "to promote awareness and understanding of the Ulster-Scots tradition in history, language and culture" ((Ulster-Scots Community Network. (n.d.). //Who we are//.[[http://www.ulster-scots.com/about]].)).
It has also supported the development of some primary school materials((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)).

=== Ministerial Advisory Group on the Ulster-Scots Academy (MAGUS) ===
Another institution that played an important role in the planning of policies in relation to Ulster-Scots is the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Ulster-Scots Academy (MAGUS), which was formed in March 2011 by the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure((MAGUS - Creativity NI. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2017, from http://creativityni.org/organisations/magus)). The MAGUS' purpose is to: 
  * to produce a holistic multi-year development and research strategy for the Ulster-Scots sector, 
  * to oversee the implementation of the strategy, 
  * to progress the Ulster-Scots Academy approach, 
  * to identify and support discrete projects under three streams of activity: language and literature; history, heritage and culture; and education and research,
  * to advise the Minister on these matters((Campbell, K., Eydmann, S., & Gunn, L. (2013). Research Scoping Study: Ulster-Scots Music Traditions. A Report for MAGUS and DCAL. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/download/34282946/ulster-scots_music_traditions_-_final_report_-_2_4_14.pdf)). 

The term of the Board of the MAGUS ended on 31 December 2015 ((Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. (2016). Strategy to Enhance and Develop the ULSTER-SCOTS Language, Heritage and Culture 2015 – 2035 One year on. Belfast: Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Retrieved from https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dcal/The%20Ulster-Scots%20Strategy%20-%20one%20year%20on%20-%20March%202016_0.pdf)).

==== Financial support ====

The Ulster-Scots Agency is funded by the Department for Communites in Northern Ireland and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the Republic of Ireland((Ulster-Scots Agency. (n.d.). //About us//. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from [[https://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/about-us/]].)). 

The CCEA has received a few resources in order to develop teaching materials for primary education((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)).
 
In 2013, the Ulster University received funding from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure on the advice of the MAGUS to create the Ulster-Scots Education project ((Ulster University. (n.d.). //Ulster-Scots Education Project//[[https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/english/ulster-scots/projects/ulster-scots-education-project]].)).

==== Teacher Training ====

Ulster-Scots is not included in primary and in-service teacher training, though at secondary teacher training, students are allowed to incorporate Ulster-Scots work ((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)).
==== Learning materials ====

Learning materials for Ulster-Scots in primary education have been developed by the Ulster Scots Agency in collaboration with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA): //Ulster-Scots for Primary School: Shared Language, Culture and Heritage//.  This is a program intended to revitalise the language, with the medium of instruction being English and the material available is for primary school (ages 6 to 11)((Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment. (2016, May 10). Ulster-Scots for Primary Schools: Shared Language, Culture & Heritage [Text]. Retrieved May 25, 2017, from http://ccea.org.uk/curriculum/key_stage_1_2/connected_learning/ulster_scots)).

===== Education in practice =====

====pre-school education====

The Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education states that children for whom English is an additional language and those who are being taught through the medium of Irish should be supported, but Ulster-Scots is not explicitly mentioned ((Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (2018). //Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education//. [[https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/PreSchool_Guidance_30May18_Web.pdf]].)) There are a few [[languages:ulster_scots_in_the_uk#teaching materials|learning materials]] for pre-school education, but no statistics on the use of Ulster-Scots in pre-school education are available ((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)).
====primary school education ====

Ulster-Scots is not taught as a subject or used as a medium of instruction, but some schools do teach it in workshops or projects ((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)).  

====secondary school education ====

Ulster-Scots is not taught as a subject or used as a medium of instruction, but some schools do teach it in workshops or projects ((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)).
====higher education ====

Ulster-Scots is not offered as undergraduate programme, though may be included in some projects, such as the [[languages:ulster_scots_in_the_uk#teaching materials|Education project]] or [[languages:ulster_scots_in_the_uk#teaching materials|Poetry project]] of the Ulster University organised in 2013 ((Hagan, L. & Visser, M. (Ed.) (2020). //Ulster-Scots: The Ulster-Scots language in education in Northern Ireland.// (1st ed.) (Regional dossiers series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf]].)). 

The Ulster University hosts //The centre for Ulster-Scots research in Irish and Scottish studies//, which also aims to develop further teaching and new project at undergraduate and postgraduate level ((Ulster University. (n.d.). //About our Ulster Scots Research//. [[https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/english/ulster-scots/about]].)).





===== Learning resources and educational institutions =====

====online resources ====

=== teaching materials===

  * [[http://www.ulster-scots.com/uploads/USCNFergieanFreens.pdf|Fergie an Freens - oan tha fairm]] Children's book for pre-school education (Eng; Fergie amnd friends on the farm)
  * [[https://discoverulsterscots.com/learning/education/primary|Primary Curriculum Resources]] Primary Curriculum Resources, developed by the Ulster-Scots Agency
  * [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/education/index.php|Ulster-Scots Education Resources]] Sample lessons of the accredited classroom materials (years 1-3)
  * [[https://discoverulsterscots.com/language-literature/wheen-o-wurds|A Wheen o Wurds]] online basic lessons ULster-Scots, developed by the Ulster-Scots Agency
  * [[https://discoverulsterscots.com/sites/default/files/documents/2021-03/Wee%20Guide%20to%20Ulster-Scots.pdf| A Wee Guide to Ulster-Scots]] Basic guid on Ulster-Scots,  developed by the Ulster-Scots Agency
  * [[https://discoverulsterscots.com/language-literature/ulster-scots-language|A Bit o a Yarn]] series of videos developed by the Ulster -Scots agence: light-hearted conversations (‘yarns’)  with native Ulster-Scots speakers
  * [[https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/english/ulster-scots/projecs/ulster-scots-education-project/educational-units|Educational units]] educational units, aimed at Key stage 3 (ages 11-14), Key stage 4 (ages 14-16) and A-level (ages 16–18). Developed by the Ulster University (2013)
  * [[https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/english/ulster-scots/projects/ulster-scots-poetry-project|Ulster-Scots Poetry Project]] collections of poems and some school resources, developed by the Ulster University (2013).

===dictionaries and grammars===

  * [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/dictionary/english-ulster-scots/index.php|Ulster-Scots Dictionary Volume 1: English / Ulster-Scots]] 
  * [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/spelling-guide/introduction.php|Ulster-Scots Language Guides: Spelling and Pronunciation Guide]]
  * [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/words/hamely-tongue/h/hoose.php|The Hamely Tongue: A Personal Record of Ulster-Scots in County Antrim]] can be used as a dictionary, with more than  3000 word entries.


====organisations====

  * [[https://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/|The Ulster-Scots Agency]] 
  * [[http://www.ulsterscotsacademy.com/|The Ulster-Scots Academy]], 
    * part of the [[http://www.ulsterscotslanguage.com/|Ulster-Scots Language Society]]
  * [[https://ccea.org.uk/|The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)]]
  * [[http://www.ulster-scots.com/index.aspx|The Ulster-Scots Community Network]]


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====== Mercator's Regional Dossier: ======

[[http://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/dossiers_pdf/kashubian_in_poland.pdf|{{:images:dossier.png?|}}]][[https://www.mercator-research.eu/fileadmin/mercator/documents/regional_dossiers/ulster_scots_in_northern_ireland.pdf|Read more]] about Ulster Scots education in Mercator's Regional Dossier (2020).