Small Steps

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭

This afternoon the Chief Executive issued the following information to Band Secretaries regarding concerns about the current situation in Belfast:

"Dear Band Secretary,

We appreciate that the recent unrest in Belfast has given rise to a number of concerns, and we have shared many of those concerns ourselves.

Earlier today, I spoke with the PSNI to discuss the current situation within the city and to assess any potential impact on the Major Pipe Band Championship. During our conversation, the PSNI advised that a number of large-scale events are scheduled to take place in Belfast this weekend and that no other events have been cancelled. He specifically highlighted a march involving approximately 30 bands taking place in close proximity to the areas affected by unrest, which is proceeding as planned.

The PSNI further advised that there has been no unrest in the Grove Park area and that the nature of our event is not connected to, nor the focus of, the issues currently affecting parts of the city. Based on their experience of managing similar situations, they expressed the view that the unrest is likely to subside over the coming days.

To provide additional reassurance to competitors, officials, and spectators, there will be an increased police presence both within and around the park throughout the event.

In light of the information provided and the advice received from the PSNI, we intend to proceed with the Championship as planned unless directed otherwise by the PSNI.

We recognise that many bands must make important decisions regarding travel to Northern Ireland, and we hope this update assists you in doing so with greater confidence.

Yours sincerely,

Colin Mulhern
Chief Executive"

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch RSPBA - Dundee, Perth and Angus Branch RSPBA - North of Scotland Branch Rspba L&B Branch Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway Branch of RSPBA RSPBA Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch RSPBA North East England RSPBA London & South of England Irish Pipe Band Association

There will be plenty of excitement at the Wean's Wurld kids area at the UK Pipe Band Championships, with a wide range of activities to keep the young ones occupied, including a mini highland games, penalty kick competition and Ulster-Scots arts and crafts organised by Small Steps and piping, drumming and drum major tasters from the Pipe Band College NI. All part of our effort to make the UK Championships fun for all the family. Please like and share.

fans Belfast International Tattoo RSPBA - The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch We Love Pipe Bands The Big Rab Show Belfast City Council

Did you spot the re-run of Tartan Tales on BBC Northern Ireland last night? The two-part series tells the story of Harris Kilt Company on Sandy Row in Belfast, the only kilt shop on the island of Ireland. If you would like to meet the stars of the show and buy some of their tartan wares, including their new Belfast tartan, get along to the UK Pipe Band Championships at Grove Playing Fields on Saturday, where mum Kim Harris will be running a stall and son Grahame Harris Piping will be providing piping lessons to the winners of our Winning Weekend promotion on U105. Get your tickets for Saturday on Eventbrite now! Please like and share.

fans RSPBA - The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch The Big Rab Show We Love Pipe Bands Belfast International Tattoo Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland West Tyrone Ulster Scots - Derry & Raphoe Action Schomberg Mourne UlsterScots Commissioner for Ulster-Scots and Ulster-British Tradition Small Steps Belfast City Council

📢 ULSTER-SCOTS MUSIC AND DANCE TUITION PROGRAMME - Now Open.

The Ulster-Scots Agency has opened an Ulster-Scots Music and Dance Tuition programme for voluntary and community organisations, which will support music and dance tuition from the 1st September 2026 to 31st May 2027.

Please note that there are two sperate applications - one for Dance and the one for Music:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💃 Dance Tuition - The grant supports up to 30 weeks of Highland or Scottish Country Dance, with an option which supports accreditation. Groups wishing to apply for a Dance tuition project can register using this link - https://form.jotform.com/261461964417361

🎶🥁 Music Tuition – The grant supports up to 20 weeks of tuition across a range of Ulster-Scots musical traditions, including drum major tuition, and offers support for accreditation. Groups wishing to apply for a Music tuition project can register using this link - https://form.jotform.com/261413105123339

Following a successful registration, an application form, guidelines and template for the Scheme of Work will be emailed to the group.

Applications close on Friday 17th July at 3pm.

If we can provide any advice or guidance with the application process, please don’t hesitate to get in contact: [email protected]

As we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of America, the Ulster-Scots Agency have created a Kist - a chest of artefacts showcasing the influence of the Ulster-Scots in early 1700's America.

The Kist is filled with items such as linen, a fiddle and letterpress letters, the Kist brings history to life through hands-on discovery.

Yesterday, Shirlie explored the Kist with Key Stage 2 pupils from Wheatfield P.S, feedback from Teaching Staff was the weans had a brilliant workshop.

Wee reminder for Monday evening folks, will be an excellent evening 😊

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 | 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫! ✨

The Schomberg Society is delighted to announce that Fusefm Mourne Radio will be returning to the airwaves again for our summer broadcast of 2026! 🙌

Fusefm Mourne will be back this summer, broadcasting from 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 - 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, between the times of 8am - 11pm each day! 🎙️

We are very excited to be back in Studio One this summer, with many of our ‘familiar voices’ back behind the desk, as well as introducing ‘new voices’ for the first time! 🤩

Of course, Fusefm Mourne will be broadcasting alongside our Hairtlan Festival, where we will be keeping you all informed about everything Ulster-Scots during our two week festival, culminating on the 11th July! 🎆

Watch this space as we reveal more details in the coming weeks! 📻

Thanks to the Ulster-Scots Agency for supporting our Fusefm Mourne Radio Broadcast! 👏

📣 The Ulster-Scot is out! Pick up your copy in the News Letter today and get set to enjoy a wealth of top Ulster-Scots content, including:

📸 News, photos and reports from across the Ulster-Scots community

🥁 Details of upcoming events, including the UK Pipe Band Championships and Belfast International Tattoo

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Historical Interest Pieces

💬 Taakin Broad Ulster-Scots language series

🎉 Weans Wurld Competition

And much more! 🙌🏻😀