New Ulster Scots worker

Mrs Karyn Brown has been appointed to the Ulster Scots Agency-funded post and comes to the association with a background in voluntary community activity in the local area as well as a background in administration and retail.

She will be very focused on the Broadisland Gathering as ambitious plans continue to make the 18th annual festival an event to remember.

Organisers are preparing for a weekend of events which will welcome a choir from Dalriada in Scotland, as well as many other entertainers.

The meeting also welcomed Larne town centre development manager Hazel Bell, who outlined the work of the Larne Alive Committee and discussed potential co-operation with the Gathering for the future.

Mrs Bell was briefed on the developing links with Mid Argyll and the committee’s hopes for the future.

The committee meeting also discussed the current state of funding applications for the 2010 event, entertainments for the Gathering, and new events which will include a fancy dress and a townland banners parade on the Friday evening prior to the Gathering.