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The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Is JD Vance really Scots-Irish - and does it even matter?
Vance's claim to Scots-Irish heritage would connect him to America from the days before the revolution, which may explain why he's so keen to play it up. There's just one issue though - there's no real evidence it's true. Read More: Earlier this year Gordon Lyons of the the Democratic Unionist Party commissioned a report into Vance's ancestors in Northern Ireland but researchers were forced to admit they had "not established a conclusive family link'. Emails to Lyons, obtained via Freedom of Information, concluded "it has not been possible to establish conclusive proof of a direct Vance link back to Ulster at this stage". The vice-President was believed to be descended from Lancelot Vance, son of Scottish reverend John Vance, who died in the Siege of Derry in 1689. However, the Vance Family Association has been running a genealogical research project using DNA for more than a decade, and cast doubt upon the claim. Its president, Dave Vance, said there was no direct connection to "the John Vance who is popularly assumed by many genealogists to be the sole progenitor of all Irish Vances'. It appears then that Vance, who has been staying near Kilmarnock this week, is not as connected to Scotland as he might believe or claim. What is not in dispute, however, is heavy influence of the Scots-Irish community on Appalachia. JD Vance plays golf at Turnberry The term doesn't refer simply to those of Scottish and/or Irish descent but specifically to Protestant immigrants from the northern counties of Ireland, whose ancestors came there from Scotland. In the early 1600s King James VI of Scotland - James I of England - sought to solidify his rule over Ireland and encourage the spread of Protestantism. One method involved seizing land from the native Irish in Ulster, making it the property of the British Crown, and handing it over to Presbyterians from southern Scotland. It was, in effect, what would now be recognised as an ethnic cleansing in which the Crown sought to 'breed out' the native Gaelic population with poor protestants from Scotland, as well as Northern England and Wales. Those moving to Ireland did not own the land, instead operating as sharecroppers paying tithes to the Anglican Church of England rather than their own Church of Scotland. By the 1660s Scottish Presbyterians made up some 20% of Ulster's population, close to two-thirds of its British population, and that number would grow hugely at the turn of the century. A prolonged famine hit Scotland in the 1690s in which up to 15% of the population died of starvation, with 50,000 fleeing to Ulster between 1690 and 1710. By 1720 they represented the absolute majority in terms of population, but they continued to be shut out from political power by the Church of England. As a result many - at least a quarter of a million by the time of the American Revolution - emigrated to the American colonies in search of a better life. Many of them eventually settled in Appalachia, which shared geographical similarities with their former homelands. The Scots-Irish settlers brought with them their knowledge of crop rotation and the farming techniques which had been practiced in Ireland for centuries, adapting them to the rich soils of the region. Culturally, too, their contribution was foundational to the traditions of Appalachia. The fiddle, blended with the banjos played by slaves from West and Central Africa, became a key component of bluegrass as did traditional folk ballads and their narrative storytelling. Appalachian quilts mixed Scottish and Irish traditions with those of Native American, Amish and Quaker to create a style distinct to the region, while food staples like buttermilk and potatoes can also be traced back across the Atlantic. Then, of course, there's moonshine. A moonshine still (Image: Wikimedia Commons) As Mark Sohn wrote in his book Appalachian Home Cooking: History, Culture and Recipes: "For the Scots-Irish, whiskey-making was linked to freedom. They came to Appalachia in search of freedom, and they brought not only their whiskey-making knowledge but also their worms and stills.' During the prohibition era the limited road network in Appalachia made it easy to evade revenue officers, moonshiners swapping barley mash for maize corn to create a potent - and illegal - spirit. Kathy Olson, director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae college said: "It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Scots-Irish made the defining contribution to Appalachian culture in terms of shaping the region's cultural identity as distinct from lowland American culture in terms of language, music, religion, and agriculture." Many Scots-Irish immigrants played a key role in the successful struggle for independence. The Battle of Kings Mountain, which took place in 1780 in North Carolina, was described by President Theodore Roosevelt as the "turning point of the American Revolution". It was fought and commanded by a number of Scots-Irish and Scots on the American side, including Joseph McDowell Jr, William Campbell, and James Johnston. Loyalist commander Patrick Ferguson, from Pitfour in Aberdeenshire, was killed in the battle. To this day, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have the highest proportions of Scots-Irish ancestry in the United States and place names across the region reflect their Celtic origins. Virginia has a Glasgow and a Kilmarnock; there's a Kelso in Tennessee and an Elgin in South Carolina; while North Carolina has Aberdeen, Cumnock, Glencoe and Inverness. The list of notable Americans descended from Scots-Irish immigrants is huge. Edgar Allan Poe's grandfather, David Poe, was an emigrant from County Cavan, and the author spent time in Irvine as a child having been fostered by a Scottish tobacco merchant. His fellow horror scribe Stephen King is descended from Reverend James Pollock, who moved from Ireland to Pennsylvania in the late 18th Century, while Mark Twain's ancestors came to the United States from County Antrim. The former's home state of Maine isn't generally considered part of Appalachia, though the Appalachian mountains do stretch into it, but it's third most populous city is named Bangor. King devised a fictional analogue for the city, also with an Irish name, called Derry, the setting for his 1981 novel IT. In the world of music Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day can trace his ancestry back to the members of the Armstrong clan given land in County Fermanagh; Elvis Presley's mother Gladys Mansell's family came to Ulster from Scotland; and Hank Williams' mother was of Scots-Irish descent. John Wayne's great-great-grandfather Robert Morrison arrived in America from County Antrim and was of Hebridean descent; while other actors with Scots-Irish roots include Steve Martin, Brad Pitt, and Burt Reynolds. Vance may well occupy the White House one day, but the Oval Office too has a long history of Scots-Irish occupants. Andrew Jackson's parents were from near to Carrickfergus; Teddy Roosevelt's mother was descended from people who emigrated from County Antrim; and Lyndon B Johnson's roots went back to Dumfresshire via Ulster. Trump famously shared his belief that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S but he, too, has Scots-Irish heritage. Obama told the Democratic National Convention in 2016: "See, my grandparents - they came from the heartland. Their ancestors began settling there about 200 years ago. I don't know if they had their birth certificates, but they were there. "They were Scotch-Irish mostly - farmers, teachers, ranch hands, pharmacists, oil rig workers. Hearty, small-town folks. Some were Democrats, but a lot of them, maybe even most of them, were Republicans - the party of Lincoln. And my grandparents explained that folks in these parts, they didn't like show-offs, they didn't admire braggarts or bullies." Those words were a none-too-subtle rebuke of Vance's boss, whose Scottish heritage is far more certain. Whether the country has to take the blame for the VP too remains a matter of debate.
The Journal
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Apprentice Boys apologise after some members urinate near homes during 'Relief of Derry' events
THE APPRENTICE BOYS of Derry have issued a public apology after images circulated online showing several members urinating at a bus stop near homes during their annual 'Relief of Derry' celebrations. The incident occurred in the Culmore Road area on Saturday during the parade, which commemorates the end of the 105-day Siege of Derry in 1689. The Apprentice Boys are a Protestant fraternal group in Derry, who hold annual parades to commemorate the siege – an important event in loyalist history. Photos shared online during the parade over the weekend showed at least ten Apprentice Boys relieving themselves against a wall by a bus stop close to several homes. Scottish Orangemen disgustingly exposing themselves on the Culmore public Road today. Every year in Derry, thousands of Apprentice Boys' and their bands mark the end of the Siege of Derry in 1689 by marching through our City Centre, In the process the people of our City are… — 🇮🇪 𝐁𝗋ó𐓣ƶy 🇮🇪 (@BronzyGuevara) August 9, 2025 General Secretary of the Apprentice Boys, David Hoey, condemned the behaviour as 'disgusting' and 'unacceptable,' and apologised to the local community. Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle , Hoey confirmed the organisation is working to identify those responsible, and promised robust action. 'We have had messages from associations across the country expressing how disgusted they were about this,' Hoey told BBC Radio Foyle. 'There were more toilet facilities than ever, so there was no excuse for this.' He stressed that the city 'is at the heart of our association' and said the actions undermined the purpose of the day, which was otherwise considered successful. Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy also condemned the incident 'Once again, visiting loyalist bands have shown a disgusting lack of respect for the people of Derry,' Delargy said in a post online. 'Year after year, utterly despicable scenes.' Advertisement 'Those organising these events must take responsibility and ensure we don't see a repeat of these scenes and other offensive behaviour,' he added. Additional controversies arose during the parade, including some bands displaying banners linked to loyalist paramilitary groups such as the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). UDA flag on display at Derry Day march yesterday. No arrests of course. RUC more interested on arresting elderly people wearing Palestinian Action shirts. — Poblachtach Sócialach 🇮🇪 (@PSocialach) August 10, 2025 The 'East Bank Protestant Boys Londonderry' marched with a banner commemorating Gary Lynch, a UDA member killed by the IRA in 1991, while the Tullycarnet Flute Band from east Belfast carried a UDA emblem on their banner. Mark H Durkan, former SDLP leader and Foyle MP, called for police to take firmer action against disrespectful behaviour during the parade. 'While most people take part in good faith, a small minority have caused issues over recent years,' he said. 'Carrying UDA banners and openly urinating in local communities has caused considerable anger and upset.' Durkan urged the PSNI to investigate offences and for parade organisers to cooperate fully. Local Aontú councillor Emmet Doyle similarly condemned the incident, saying in a statement: 'This can't go on.' 'Every year people say it's awful and then nothing is done. Not this time,' Doyle said. 'We love our City, green and orange. Respect it or don't come at all.' The Apprentice Boys stated they will conduct a thorough review of the events with police and marshals to learn from the incidents and improve future parades. The Relief of Derry parade, held annually on the second Saturday in August, commemorates the city's Protestant residents shutting the gates against King James II's forces during the Williamite War in Ireland. It marks a key event in Irish history, and a significant Protestant victory in Northern Ireland. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
In Northern Ireland, I visited enchanting gardens full of natural beauty and a rich sense of heritage
As I make my way past the white Georgian mansion on the northern banks of the River Foyle, rows of towering oaks give way to rounder, cascading evergreens. Vivid bursts of pinks, reds and purples peek through the lush foliage, hinting at the botanical beauty beyond. Located about five kilometres from the city of Derry, Brook Hall Estate & Gardens is one of Northern Ireland's top arboretums. Established in the early 1600s, it was a stronghold for King James II during the Siege of Derry in 1689. And its walled garden, one of the largest on the Emerald Isle, played a key role in feeding the people of Derry during the lengthy military operation, as well as during the Great Famine in the mid-1800s. Now, thanks to a growing interest in garden tourism, Brook Hall fulfils another role: as a popular visitor attraction. Each year, more than five million people come to Northern Ireland. They walk the 17th-century Derry Walls around the historic centre; hike the famous Giant's Causeway coastal path, a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique basalt formations; explore the tragic story of the Titanic, the doomed luxury liner built in Belfast; and swing for par at one of more than 90 world-class golf courses. But today's travellers are also seeking new ways to experience the destination, and they're finding a connection to its heritage through nature and the local landscapes. For the U.K. as a whole, it's estimated that garden tourism generates almost three billion pounds in GDP. 'Northern Ireland sees more economy from garden tours than golf,' says horticulturalist Trevor Edwards, director of the Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Trust. He's also my guide as we explore the country's green spaces. 'It's never far to the next interesting garden, and every region has a garden trail,' he adds. A bird's-eye view of Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, established in the early 1600s. At Brook Hall, David Gilliland conducts personalized tours. His family acquired the estate in 1856, and over the years, they filled the 140-acre grounds with more than 1,200 rare and unusual trees and plants. More than 600 species are unique to the property. 'The majority of specimens here aren't native. I call it a zoo for plants,' says Gilliland. The diverse plantscape is courtesy of Gilliland's great-grandfather Frank, a passionate collector of conifers, and his grandfather George, a renowned dendrologist with a love of flowering shrubs and trees from Asia and South America. Frank's pinetum showcases more than 100 species of conifers, including the island's first dawn redwood, endangered dove trees, and a giant redwood planted in honour of Frank's birth in 1884. George, a world authority on rhododendrons, added more than 80 species of the woody plants, noted for their striking, colourful tubular blossoms, as well as dozens of species of magnolias and camellias. 'There's a big push for native planting, which has its place, but when you're trying to showcase the beauty of plants around the world, that's when arboretums and gardens such as ours become important,' Gilliland says. The neoclassical stone manor house at Mount Stewart is surrounded by 950 acres of woodlands, lawns and orchards. The next morning, I head to Newtownards, about 90 minutes east of Derry, to tour Mount Stewart . The ivy-clad, neoclassical stone manor house, seat of the Marquesses of Londonderry for more than 200 years and now owned by the National Trust, is surrounded by 950 acres of woodlands, lawns and orchards. Much of its formal gardens was developed by Edith, Lady Londonderry, wife of the 7th Marquess, in the mid-20th century. 'She created what is arguably one of the best gardens you'll ever visit,' says head gardener Mike Buffin. In spring, the landscape is blanketed with more than 15,000 tulips. The rhododendrons explode in May and June, in a kaleidoscope of yellows, reds, oranges and purples. Plant hunters introduced the ornamental species to the estate in the Victorian era. 'Because of Northern Ireland's high rainfall and mild, temperate climate, we can grow a range of plants you can't grow in gardens in the rest of the U.K.,' Buffin points out. Sweet-smelling bay trees, roses and hydrangeas infuse the landscape with their fragrance. Rare Chilean hazelnut trees, tropical tree ferns and New Zealand broadleaf flourish side by side with 800 giant Himalayan lilies, the largest display in the world. Mythological creatures and endearing animals in concrete, stone and topiary add whimsy to the stately surroundings. At Mount Stewart, Edith, Lady Londonderry, created 'what is arguably one of the best gardens you'll ever visit.' One of Northern Ireland's most acclaimed heritage sites is Hillsborough Castle and Gardens , in the picturesque village of the same name. Located about 20 minutes southwest of Belfast, the 18th-century Georgian mansion is an official residence of the British Royal Family. A reminder of the estate's historic status can be seen at the garden's west entrance, where stone gates are topped with gilded pineapple finials. Hillsborough boasts one of the U.K.'s earliest pineries, dating to the 1770s. During the 18th century, fashionable families would display the tropical fruit as centrepieces during dinner parties. A single pineapple could cost the modern equivalent of 5,000 pounds. 'Growing your own pineapples was a sign of extreme wealth,' says garden manager Claire Woods. It was also a testament to a gardener's skills. Edwards notes that families would compete to see who could cultivate the best and biggest pineapples. The 3.83-acre walled kitchen garden, built in the 1750s and renovated in the mid-2010s, first opened to the public in 2018. Manicured hedges, geometrically aligned pathways and pristine plant beds sprout with Irish-bred fruits, vegetables and flowers. Golden daffodils, purple-blue monkshood and lavender crocus bloom beneath ornamental quince trees. A soft mist permeates the air as we wander the castle's 100-acre grounds. Orchards brim with Irish heritage apples. Purplish bluebells, fragrant yellow azaleas and showy rhododendrons add bold splashes of colour. An allée of Irish yews cuts a forest-green pathway to the castle. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is an official residence of the British Royal Family. 'This time of year, we get the bright colours. In summer, we get much softer flowers and foliage. That gives way to lots of lovely autumn hues. And in the winter, you see the bones of the garden, the real structure,' Woods explains. 'A lot of these gardens were about showing off your collection of plants. The same holds true today,' Woods continues. 'We want people to come and explore. And we hope they will go away inspired to grow plants as we do, to use ideas they find here, or to simply want to visit other gardens or castles.' Drenagh Estate and Gardens in Limavady spans more than 1,000 acres and includes a walled kitchen garden, rhododendron garden, conifer arboretum, terraced Italian garden and ancient woodlands. It has been owned by the McCausland family since 1640. Glenarm Castle in County Antrim is a 17th-century Jacobean-style mansion. Its 2.5-acre walled garden, built in the 1820s, was restored in the early 2000s. Garden 'rooms' display ornamental fruit trees; a rainbow of tulips; and collections of hostas, peonies and roses. In 2023, Glenarm won the prestigious U.K. Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award. Rowallane Garden , just outside of Saintfield, is the headquarters of the National Trust in Northern Ireland. The 50-acre garden showcases towering conifers; rare handkerchief trees; and extensive collections of azaleas, rhododendrons and penstemons. Rebecca L. Rhoades travelled as a guest of Tourism Northern Ireland, which did not review or approve this article.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Historic monument targeted in sectarian attack
A historic monument on Londonderry's Walls has been damaged by paint in what police are treating as a sectarian hate crime. The attack on Walker's Plinth happened sometime between 18:20 and 18:40 BST on Thursday. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) a number of individuals are believed to have been involved. It is the latest in a series of incidents in the city over recent days, which are being investigated as sectarian hate crimes. Democratic Unionist Party MLA Gary Middleton has said the spate of attacks needs to stop. "The sectarianism happening right across this city needs to end," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme. "As I said in the assembly chamber on Monday, this will ultimately end in somebody being seriously injured or a death." The attack on the plinth comes after an assault on two teenagers in the Waterside, an attack on a bus in the Gobnascale area and an attack on a mural in the Fountain estate. Those incidents sparked calls from the Catholic Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown and Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Andrew Forster for no further escalation. The SDLP MLA Mark H. Durkan said he was "sickened" by the attack on the teenagers and Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson appealed for calm. Then, shortly after midnight on Monday, a 21-year-old autistic man was set upon by a group of men in the city's Waterside and needed hospital treatment for his injuries. "We have seen young people attacked, property damaged, that is something that just can not be tolerated, it is important that all of us collectively speak out," Middleton added. "Police have assured me they are putting in the resources necessary to try and address what has been unfortunately over the last number of days a sectarian campaign right across the board." The city's deputy Mayor Darren Guy works in the Siege Museum near the plinth. He told BBC Radio Foyle a video being circulated on social media appeared to show six or seven youths approaching the monument with bottles filled with paint. The Ulster Unionist councillor also called for an end to the attacks. "This has to stop," he said. "When sides goad each other, no one comes out a winner, something serious is going to happen." Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident on the Walls to come forward. The plinth is located on an area of the Walls overlooking the nationalist Bogside. It is all that remains of the statue of George Walker, built in 1826 to commemorate his role in the Siege of Derry. Reverend Walker governed the city during the 1689 siege. The statue stood on the plinth for almost 150 years until it was blown up by the IRA in 1973. It was also targeted in a similar attack in July 2024. Son 'scared to return home' after sectarian attack Church leaders appeal for calm over Derry attacks
Belfast Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Historic monument targeted as ‘sectarian hate crimes' continue in Derry
Criminal damage was caused to Walker's Plinth on the city's walls after paint bombs were thrown at it. The incident was reported to police just before 6.40pm on Tuesday. A PSNI spokesperson confirmed it is being investigated as a sectarian hate crime. A number of individuals are believed to have been involved in the incident which occurred sometime between 6.20pm and 6.40pm. A statue of the city's governor during the Siege of Derry, George Walker, stood on the plinth for almost 150 years until it was blown up by the IRA in 1973. The plinth is all that remains of the statue erected in 1826 to commemorate the leader's role in the 105 day Siege of Derry which marked a pivotal moment in the history of Ireland, Britain and Europe. More than 10,000 people died, the majority of them civilians. It took place against the background of the deposed Catholic King James II's attempt to regain his crown from his Protestant son-in-law, King William III. The incident comes following a spate of sectarian hate crimes in Derry over the weekend. PSNI Chief Inspector Luke Moyne said: 'At this stage, as enquiries into each of these incidents are ongoing, we are continuing to work with relevant partners and stakeholders, focusing our patrols where they are needed and taking positive action where we can. 'Anyone who engages in anti-social behaviour needs to consider the consequences of their actions and of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour. "Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.' It follows condemnation after video footage was circulated appearing to show two boys being set upon by a gang of youths. One is seen being punched and kicked while sitting down while another is repeatedly pounded with a garden table while lying on the ground. The PSNI is probing a number of incidents including criminal damage caused to a bus and disorder over the weekend. A vehicle carrying two police dogs was damaged by young people in the Irish Street area, the canines were not injured. Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson has called for calm after a sectarian attack in Nelson Drive led to a number of disturbances in the Waterside area over the weekend. 'The sectarian attack in which two young men were viciously beaten in the Nelson Drive area on Saturday night was appalling and I would urge anyone with information about who was responsible to bring it forward,' he said. 'There can be no place for sectarianism and such attacks in this society but neither can there be any justification for the subsequent disturbances which took place throughout the wider Top of the Hill area on Sunday. 'The people of this community do not want further violence or for any more young people to be caught up in such incidents. 'Now is the time for calm and to allow the proper authorities to get on with their job of bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.' Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: 'Sickened by what I've seen circulating on social media – two young fellas being set upon by a gang in a savage attack. 'It's being reported that this was a sectarian attack and has the potential to light the fuse on a situation that has been simmering in the Waterside for some time. 'It is important that peace prevails and no retaliation is sought. Inevitably innocent people will get hurt or even worse – as I watched the video I could not help but think of my old schoolmate Paul McCauley, who died as the result of a sectarian attack in the Waterside nearly 20 years ago. 'I hope the two boys who were attacked make a swift recovery from their physical injuries and the undoubted psychological impact that such trauma can bring. 'Anyone with information about the attack should bring it to the police and those responsible must be apprehended.' Local councillor Gary Donnelly also posted online saying: 'Sickening scenes appear to show two young boys being brutally beaten by a number of others in what is claimed to be a sectarian attack. I hope those attacked make a full recovery. 'This will inevitably cause anger and I would appeal for calm and not to respond with any form of sectarianism. 'Attacks on anyone because of their perceived religious affiliation is completely wrong.'
