Fair Faa Ye! Celebrate Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025
7 November 2025
Members of the public are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025, taking place from 24–28 November, with a vibrant programme of events across the City and District.Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council and kindly supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency, this year’s festival offers a week-long celebration of the Ulster-Scots language. The 2025 programme includes an inspiring mix of talks, films, walking tours and creative workshops, showcasing the depth and diversity of the Ulster-Scots tradition.
The week begins with Brocht Ower, an illustrated talk with writer Robert Campbell, who will explore the fascinating history and evolution of the Ulster-Scots language in a lively and personal session in the Guildhall on Tuesday 25 November. Later in the week, Dr Frank Ferguson from Ulster University will present Onwards to Narnia and Hame by the Sandy Loanen, a talk uncovering the Ulster-Scots influences that helped shape the life and work of renowned author C.S. Lewis. On Friday, poet Alan Millar will bring Hinba: The Lost Isle of St Columba to Strabane, sharing his journey of discovery and poetic reflection on the enduring legacy of St Columba and the shared heritage of Ireland and Scotland.
Film enthusiasts can look forward to a special screening of The Witch of Glentow and a selection of Ulster-Scots short films by award-winning director Tristan Crowe and his team at Negative Waves, taking place in the Guildhall’s Green Room on Wednesday evening. Two additional short films will be released online throughout the week — Tha Wee Schuil by Anne McMaster, a nostalgic look at rural school life, and If Headstones Could Speak by Friends of Derry City Cemetery, which explores the stories of notable Ulster-Scots who shaped the city’s history.
Those keen to explore the city’s literary heritage can join David Douglas of Derrie Danders for Footsteps and Verses: The Ulster-Scots Poets Trail — a guided walking tour tracing the lives and works of poets such as Cecil Frances Alexander and W.F. Marshall, alongside other influential voices from the Ulster-Scots literary tradition. These immersive tours take place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November and offer a unique opportunity to experience poetry, place, and history brought vividly to life.
Younger audiences are also well catered for this year, with a lively and engaging children’s programme. Blether & Bounce, delivered by the award-winning Sollus Highland Dancers, combines language and movement in a fun and interactive way for school pupils. Meanwhile, writer Robert Campbell will lead a series of Story Creation Workshops in partnership with Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, helping children explore storytelling through Ulster-Scots words and phrases while celebrating our shared linguistic heritage.
Encouraging everyone to take part, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said:
“Ulster-Scots Language Week is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the language, creativity, and heritage that enrich our local communities. This year’s programme is packed with engaging events for all ages, from storytelling and film to children’s workshops and guided tours, offering a chance to learn more about the Ulster-Scots language and the unique contribution it makes to life in our city and district.”
All events are free, but booking is essential for in-person sessions.
For full programme details and updates, visit www.derrystrabane.com/ulsterscotsweek
To book your place, email [email protected] or call (028) 7137 6579.
Please note: all programme details are subject to change.
Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025 is kindly supported by The Ulster-Scots Agency.