This means taking advantage of a developing openness to multi-lingual publication. Such support from the mainstream presumably means that Ulster-Scots will want to enter that mainstream, claiming its place – or rather re-claiming its place – in the literature of the island and beyond. Indeed, it does need such support and this collection demonstrates why such help is deserved. ‘Such creative verve, as displayed in this collection requires recognition, support and nurturing from tha mainstream.’ ‘Evidence of so many committed to their work begs the question of how we might work towards fanning single poems to pamphlets and collection…’ The main editor, Dr Frank Ferguson stresses in his introduction that he sees the book as a spring-board. Is the writing genuinely ‘contemporary’? How wide is the range of style and of subject-matter? What is the gender balance? What hope does it give that there is more high-calibre work to follow on? The significance of this publication is that it sets today’s writers in Ulster-Scots firmly under the spotlight. I am very pleased to have 2 poems and an extract from my novel-in-progress Thoarn included. It bills itself as ‘celebrating contemporary writing’ in both tongues. The work of 25 writers, a few writing in Scots, is represented here. In time for Ulster-Scots Language Week (22nd – 27th November) the Ulster-Scots Community Network has brought out a very welcome collection of prose and poetry.
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