CONSULTATION DOCUMENT: DRAFT STRATEGY FOR ULSTER SCOTS LANGUAGE, HERITAGE AND CULTURE

I am writing to invite you to participate in this consultation. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has prepared a consultative document containing proposals for a strategy for Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture. The consultation document has been published on DCALs website www.dcalni.gov.uk where it can be read, copied or printed. If you would prefer a printed version, it can be obtained on request. Should you require the consultation document in an accessible format such as Braille, audio-tape or large print, please contact the response co-ordinator at the email address or phone number overleaf. The purpose of this public consultation is to seek views and feedback on the content of the draft Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture strategy, which includes aims, objectives and areas for action to proactively protect, enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture. The key aims of the draft strategy are to: create a framework where the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture can flourish and be shared and enjoyed; protect and support the development and learning the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture; and promote wider understanding and recognition of the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture. The strategy has the following objectives: to increase educational provision of all aspects of Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture; to increase access to Ulster Scots language media including online material; to promote the economic benefits of the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture; and to promote research in relation to the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture.

Key areas for action to protect, enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture include Education; Media; Use of Language; Public Services; Culture. In order to ensure people dont miss the opportunity to respond over the holiday period the consultation period has been extended from the recommended twelve weeks to twenty weeks. Responses to the key questions contained in the document and any other feedback should be returned no later than 5:00pm on Tuesday 27 November 2012. You can respond to the consultation online through DCALs website www.dcalni.gov.uk, though you can, of course, provide feedback on any aspect of the draft strategy in any format that best suits your needs. Email: Post: Consultations@dcalni.gov.uk Response Co-ordinator Language Strategies Team Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Level 7 Causeway Exchange 1-7 Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7EG 028 9051 5057 028 9052 7668

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