NIO Minister Angela Smith has launched the Ulster-Scots website today which will, she said, help to generate "mutual respect and understanding among all traditions".

Speaking at the launch in the IMAX Cinema in the Odyssey complex, the Minister said: “The more we learn about other traditions, the better a society we can become. And although that sentiment applies right across the British Isles, it is particularly important here in Northern Ireland.

“It is absolutely vital that we all understand more about each other’s cultural backgrounds. This would help us gain a better understanding of why those belonging to a different community are so proud of their own history and traditions. The Ulster-Scots Agency’s new website, which we are launching today, can play an important role in this process.”

Mrs Smith stressed that Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage belonged to everyone living here and that celebrating these traditions together was not a sign of weakness but one of maturity.

She added: “Cultural diversity is something which we should embrace and the recognition and appreciation of different cultures will help to create that confident and prosperous society to which we all aspire.”

The Ulster-Scots Agency’s new website replaces the current one which contains only limited details. Logging on to www.ulsterscotsagency.com will give the reader "more comprehensive information" about the Agency, its forthcoming events and the Ulster-Scots language as well as access to an audio and video library featuring poetry and music.

Proposed developments also include the establishment of links to other Ulster-Scots websites and to Foras na Gaelige.

The Minister was welcomed to the launch by the Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency, Lord Laird of Artigarvan and, during the event, guests were entertained by members of the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra and by eight children from the Markethill Ulster-Scots Dance Group.

(GMcG)