A ‘CHALLENGING’ and ‘significant’ new collection of Ulster-Scots poetry is being launched in the Fuse Centre, 74 Main Street, Ballymoney, next Monday evening (May 29) at 7pm, by award winning poet and writer Alan Millar.
Published with the assistance of the Ullans Speakers Association, in Ballymoney, the 138 page book “Echas frae tha Big Swilly Swally” is a collection of 25 poems, written in rich Ulster-Scots language, including “Wee Weaver Birdie”, winner of a top Scottish award.
Alan Millar says: “I have been on a poetic journey through Ulster-Scots language for quite a few years, and creating my own collection of contemporary verse, “Echas frae tha Big Swilly Swally”, is a great milestone to have reached.
“Ulster-Scots is a very deep rich Irish literary tradition and my poems are written on a wide variety of historical and contemporary subjects, from the United Irishmen to Brexit, lockdown, the war in Ukraine and universal themes of friendship and loss.”
John Murray of the Ullans Speakers Association said: “The Ullans Speakers Association is committed to promoting and encouraging Ulster-Scots language.
“We are therefore delighted to announce the publication of Echoes frae tha Big Swilly Swally, Alan’s collection of poems.
“We have produced a number of books in the past, including one of Alan’s and are looking forward to doing more in the future.
“Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor, Ivor Wallace will be helping launch the book on the evening.”
Alan uses many verse forms, from traditional Scottish stanzas, free verse and humorous rhymes and there is no shortage of ever popular favourites within the Ulster-Scots tradition.
Plenty o aule men santerin, kats an kye, whin bushes an fairy thorns!
Alan’s book has been highly praised by top people in the Ulster-Scots world.
“Alan’s work challenges the perception that Ulster-Scots has limitations as a literary language,” says Dr Linde Lunney, formerly of the Royal Irish Academy.
“This is a fantastic book of poems, a significant collection of new writing in Ulster-Scots.” says Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University.
So why not pop along to the FUSE Ulster-Scots Centre, 74 Main Street, Ballymoney, on Monday May 29 at 7pm.Refreshments and light food available..
Contact 079 797 438 43
ullans@live.co.uk, or the author on amillar.reporting@ymail.com
