Donegal Central Library’s Librarian, Una Mathewson, and Library Manager, Kevin McCaul (right), receive copies of the Scots Language Society’s 50 year anthologies from Alan Millar, on behalf of the SLS.
A Donegal writer is the only Irish person to have their work included in a 50 year anthology of Scots language poetry.
The Scots Language Society has donated copies of their anthologies of poetry and prose to schools, universities, libraries and other interested organisations throughout Donegal and Northern Ireland.
Distributing the anthologies on behalf of the society is Donegal man, Alan Millar. He is the only Irish person to have their work included in the poetry collection.
Originally from St Johnston, he said it’s an honour to have been asked to help make the collections of poetry and prose available to people across Ulster.
“Gestures like this remind us of the bonds of fraternity and interest in our shared languages that exist between Scotland and Ulster,” Mr Millar said.
“It was a pleasure to recently present Donegal Libraries with their copies, in the run up to Christmas.”
Una Mathewson, of Donegal Central Library in Letterkenny, said it is such a privilege to accept these anthologies.
“They will form an integral part of the Donegal Studies Collection reflecting the rich heritage and language of the county for decades to come,” she said.
Words That Sing Sae Sweit (Scots Poetry) and Wunds That Braw Sae Roch (Scots Prose) were published in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the society. Both publications contain poems and prose pieces that were selected from the very best submissions to the society’s annual magazine, Lallans.
The Tower Museum in Derry, the Linenhall Library, Libraries NI and Ulster University are among those who have already received copies.
Anyone who can read Ulster-Scots should have no difficulty reading these books.
Anthologies Editor, Mr William Hershaw, said: “The two anthologies, Words That Sing Sae Sweit (Scots Poetry) and Wunds That Braw Sae Roch (Scots Prose) were published in 2021/22 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of The Scots Language Society/The Scots Leid Associe, the first body of its kind set up to protect and promote the use of Scots.”
“The aim of the anthologies was to celebrate 50 years of Scots writing by presenting work from some of the best makars and screivers in that half century.
The books were published with financial assistance from The Scottish Government and the Doric Board. The SLA are keen to donate free copies to schools, libraries and organisations who wish to promote Scots and Ulster-Scots.
There are still a few copies left, so if your school or organisation is interested please contact amillar.reporting@ymail.com
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