Support for Ulster-Scots activity for 20 new groups engaging in Ulster-Scots activity for the first time. The rich Ulster-Scots will be able to support their genealogical group activities. Boyd, can I become an hon. Ulster-Scots person too! Funding news - 17/03/2008 £3 Million Boost In Ulster Scots Funding Welcomed Edwin Poots, MLA, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, and the Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency Mark Thompson have met to discuss the increased funding in the budget for the Ulster Scots Agency. Speaking after their Stormont meeting last week, the minister said: "Over the next three years the Ulster-Scots Agency's funding is to receive a welcome boost of £3million. This will provide an extra 15 Ulster-Scots Summer Schools, 12 Ulster-Scots after schools clubs and music or dance tuition for 500 young people. "The Ulster-Scots culture is increasingly being recognised as a very important part of the Northern Ireland culture, making a valuable contribution to the economy and tourism. The agency must therefore be adequately funded to enable it to do its promotional activities properly. "This new funding will strengthen the infrastructure of the Ulster-Scots Agency and can be seen as part of the Government's commitment to the Ulster-Scots community. "The £3million will have a very real and visible impact on the ground. The activities that will be funded are primarily culturally based which will make them accessible to everyone across the community." Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency Mark Thompson said: "The additional funding will also enable the agency to support 20 community based festivals, Provide support for Ulster-Scots activity for 20 new groups engaging in Ulster-Scots activity for the first time." The Minister concluded: "I am also looking at further options to secure more funding that will be delivered at grass roots levels by the Ulster-Scots Agency." The Minister is currently visiting Tennessee and Texas from 8-14 March in his drive to promote Ulster-Scots links with the US. Liam "A bird in the bush is worth two in the cat"