“Dinnae houl yer wheest!” — Sian Mulholland MLA welcomes new Ulster Scots course in Armoy
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland
Ulster Scots language classes are set to begin in Armoy later this month, with North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland welcoming the initiative as a meaningful celebration of local culture, heritage and community identity.
The free course, titled Dinnae houl yer wheest!, is being delivered by the Ulster Scots Agency and will commence on Thursday 29 January 2026, running for six weeks at the Tilly Molloy Centre in Armoy.
Classes will take place weekly in the evening and are open to anyone with an interest in Ulster Scots language and culture, regardless of prior knowledge or experience.
Ms Mulholland said the decision to bring the programme to Armoy followed the success of a similar course previously delivered in Ballymena, which demonstrated strong local appetite for community-based language learning.
She explained that she had asked the Ulster Scots Agency to consider extending the programme further north within her constituency.
“I am delighted that the Ulster Scots Agency has agreed to host another of their fantastic courses in this part of North Antrim. Ulster Scots has such deep roots across North Antrim, and it’s important that people who want to explore and reconnect with that heritage can do so locally,” she said.
Practical, accessible and community-focused learning
Organisers say the Armoy-based programme has been designed to be welcoming, informal and practical, with a strong emphasis on everyday usage of the language.
Participants will be introduced to commonly used Ulster Scots words and phrases, alongside opportunities to build confidence in speaking and writing.
The course also explores the wider cultural and historical context behind the language, helping learners understand why Ulster Scots continues to matter within local communities.
In addition to weekly in-person classes, participants will have access to a dedicated WhatsApp support group, allowing learners to stay connected, ask questions and share progress between sessions.
The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who may already be familiar with some Ulster Scots vocabulary and wish to develop their understanding further.
Ms Mulholland also confirmed that she intends to attend the classes herself, underlining the personal value she places on language and cultural expression.
“Language matters,” she said.
“It shapes how we understand our history, our place and one another. Supporting Ulster Scots, alongside Irish and other cultural traditions, is about recognising the full richness of who we are as a society.”
Linked to wider cultural commitments
The MLA added that she is due to meet the newly appointed Ulster-Scots and Ulster British Commissioner, Lee Reynolds, in the coming weeks as part of her ongoing engagement on language and cultural expression.
The appointment of the Ulster-Scots Commissioner, alongside Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds and the establishment of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, was agreed under the New Decade, New Approach framework.
Ms Mulholland said she hopes to see language and culture supported in ways that are firmly rooted in local communities.
“I want to see culture and language supported in a way that is practical, respectful and grounded in local communities,” she said. “This course is a really welcome step in that direction.”
How to register
The Dinnae houl yer wheest! course is free of charge, but registration is essential, as places are limited.
Those interested can register online via the following link:
Further information is also available by emailing: