An innovative new tourism project celebrating the shared history of the Scots settlers in Ulster was today officially opened by the Minister of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív TD and Winston Patterson, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland at a special ceremony held in Donegal. Located in Monreagh, within the Laggan District of Donegal, the newly opened ‘Ulster-Scots Heritage Centre’ has been developed by the Monreagh Ulster-Scots Heritage Association and is the first ever facility of its type across the Island of Ireland. Initiated by the Institute of Ulster-Scots studies at the University of Ulster the project has received extensive support and funding from the International Fund for Ireland (€374,000),  Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (€195,000), Ulster-Scots Agency (£18,075) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (€10,000).In his address at the opening, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív TD said, “I am delighted that my Department has been able to provide financial support for this project. 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.”Speaking at the launch, Winston Patterson, Board member 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." Mr Patterson also recorded the IFI's appreciation for the international donors to the IFI - the US, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, who had made possible the Fund's support for the project.Designed to educate present and future generations about the enduring legacy of Ulster-Scots history the centre is expected to attract both local and international visitors. It will also serve to highlight the strong historical linkages that exist between the surrounding area and both the United States and Canada. American political history has been undeniably shaped by individuals with strong Ulster connections. The White House was occupied by men of Ulster-Scots descent for a period of 56 years including Presidents Andrew Jackson, James Buchanan, amongst many others. Another notable personality William Gregg, born in Killycreen County Donegal, went on to found Canadian Presbyterianism in the 19th century.“The core objective of the project is to bring some of the most engaging aspects of the Ulster-Scots tradition to life. There is a rich cultural history upon which to draw upon from the plantation of Ulster in the 17th Century to the mass migrations to the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries,” said Jim Devenney, Chairman of the Monreagh Ulster-Scots Heritage Association. “The centre contains a wealth of information on these historic events and gives voice to the fascinating stories of generations past that still have significant relevance today. It also documents the lives of some of the most influential figures of Ulster-Scots descent such as Davy Crockett and Reverend Francis Makemie the founder of American Presbyterianism,” he continued. Situated directly opposite a Church whose congregation was established in 1644, the centre will act as a repository of information that might otherwise be lost. Each room will focus on a particular aspect of Ulster-Scots history allowing visitors to take a self-guided tour into the very heart of the Scots-Irish tradition. A rarely-seen collection of photographs, paintings and other memorabilia will also be on display and the centre is planning to build a new state-of-the-art annexe to include a gift shop, tearoom and workshop area for Ulster-Scots crafts, music and dance. For further information on the centre please visit www.monreaghheritagecentre.ie

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