Who can apply?
Constituted organisations
Primary or post‑primary schools
Not‑for‑profit community or voluntary groups
Applicants must:
Provide evidence that the ‘activity’ will be delivered within Armagh City, Banbridge, Craigavon Borough Council area.
Provide evidence to support how the ‘activity’ promotes Ulster‑Scots culture
Have a bank account in the organisation’s name
Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Grant amount
£250 (flat rate)
One application per organisation
Timescale
Activity must begin and end within six months of the offer letter
What the bursary can support
Specialist facilitation or tuition
Short workshops or group activity
Materials directly related to the funded activity
Preparation toward a single defined outcome (event, performance, sharing)
What the bursary cannot support
Salaries or staff costs
General running costs or overheads
Equipment or instrument purchase
Uniforms or costumes
Activity not clearly rooted in Ulster‑Scots culture
Section A. Ulster‑Scots dance
Purpose: Support traditional Ulster‑Scots dance learning or presentation.
All of the following must apply:
Activity focuses exclusively on Ulster‑Scots traditional dance forms
Involves a named tutor or facilitator with proven experience
Minimum of eight participants
Results in a short demonstration, performance or open sharing
Ineligible:
Modern, fitness, Irish or mixed‑tradition dance
Ongoing classes with no defined outcome
Section B. Ulster‑Scots drama
Purpose: Support drama rooted in Ulster‑Scots heritage, language or history.
All of the following must apply:
Content based on Ulster‑Scots themes, stories or historical experience
Scripted or semi‑scripted material (new or adapted)
Structured rehearsals leading to a reading or performance
Ineligible:
Improvisational drama only
Contemporary drama with no Ulster‑Scots context
Section C. Ulster‑Scots music
Purpose: Support traditional Ulster‑Scots musical practice.
All of the following must apply:
Focus on traditional Ulster‑Scots repertoire only
Tutor or lead musician with relevant experience
Clear musical output (e.g. informal concert or showcase)
At least one traditional tune or song is learned and shared
Ineligible:
Instrument purchase
Non‑traditional or fusion music styles
Section D. Ulster‑Scots speech
Purpose: Promote spoken Ulster‑Scots language and dialect.
All of the following must apply:
Focus on oral delivery (recitation, storytelling, spoken word)
Structured, facilitated sessions
Learning outcomes related to pronunciation, vocabulary or confidence
Public or recorded sharing element
Ineligible:
Written work with no spoken delivery
English‑language projects without Ulster‑Scots speech
Notes:
The Lord Mayor along with a panel will make the final decision on winners subject to applicants meeting the eligibility criteria.
Applications will close on Friday 8th May 2026 and successful applicants will be contacted by email.
You may be required to attend a photocall with the Lord Mayor during the last week in May 2026.