A conference exploring the historical links between Ulster and Scotland gets under way in the University of Ulster in Derry today.
Leading academics from Ireland, Scotland, the US and New Zealand are taking part and it is hoped that the conference will lead to further research in the field.
The organiser, Mr William Kelly, from the Academy of Irish Cultural Heritages at the University of Ulster, said that with devolution there was a new emphasis on the regions. "Regional history has always suffered and we would argue that regional history is just as important as national history."
He said there had been a significant movement of people both ways between Ulster and Scotland. While Donegal agricultural workers went to Scotland for seasonal work, Scottish people came to settle in Ulster. "It is not just about unionist links: it involved everybody. The Irish had a very big impact in Scotland," he said. "If you lived in 17th century Ulster, Scotland was only 11 miles away but Cork was a world away."
Speakers at the weekend conference include the professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, Mr James Mitchell, who will speak on Saturday morning on "Scotland's Forgotten Heritage: Ulster and Scottish Politics". Dr Graham Walker of Queen's University, Belfast, will speak on "Ulster Unionism and Scotland: the Changing Politics of Kith and Kin". Mr Alan Titley of St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, will speak on "Ravelling Narratives: Gaelic Personal Histories from Scotland and Ireland".
Prof Jock Phillips, chief historian of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage in New Zealand, will speak on emigration to his country from both regions.
Mr Kelly said the conference would play an important role in launching the International Network of Research Partners and it is hoped money from the Ireland Funds would be available for such projects.
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