Brocht Ower - The Origins and Evolution of Ulster-Scots

Brocht Ower

An illustrated talk with writer Robert Campbell

Tuesday 25 November 2025

1pm, Whittaker Suite, Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry

Join poet and author Robert Campbell on a fascinating personal journey that seeks to understand the complex history and evolution of the Ulster Scots language, and answer many of the hard questions. This talk weaves together a personal story and epic history, exploring deep family connections, serendipitous personal interactions, and little-known historical facts. The speaker will trace the institutional forces that led to the rapid decline of Ulster-Scots, its partial recovery, and ideas for stability and future growth, along with broaching the serious issue of the ‘Ulster Scots Echt’. This is an essential conversation for anyone interested in language, heritage, and the future of identity in this part of the world.  The session is accessible to everyone, is delivered in a playful and lighthearted manner, and is interactive.

 Robert Campbell: Robert Campbell is a writer, poet and artist. He originally hails from East Antrim but has lived in the North West for the last 16 years. Robert’s understanding of Ulster-Scots comes from a native speaking perspective.  Though suppressed for many years he found his Ulster Scots voice in poetry. His Ulster-Scots work includes: ‘Lock Doon Poems’; ‘Peep Frae Your Mind’ (poems); short stories collection ‘Tales Frae the life o James Finlay Bruce’; spoken word performance ‘A Dander Through Narnia’; videos of poems; and even an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) track. His children’s books include: ‘Sled Down’ - a Christmas story set in and around Culmore and Derry’s Walls; ‘Captain Timmy and the Bobbing Barrel’ – a story about pirates who lose their ship at Portrush; ‘George and the Elephant’ - the story of a child’s struggle with dyslexia; spoken word story - ‘Captain Timmy and the Terrible Turnip: a Halloween Tale’; and he is currently  working on ‘Captain Timmy and Finn McCool’s Griddle’. Further information: www.robertcampbell.me

 Admission Free / Light refreshments provided from 12:30pm

To book your place contact T: 028 71 376 579 or email ulsterscots@derrystrabane.com

Entrance Fee