Hame returns to explore Ulster-Scots stories across Northern Ireland
Date Posted: February 12, 2021
Hame, the Ulster-Scots magazine series returns as Mark Thompson and Ruth Sanderson continue on their journey, exploring stories the length and breadth of Ulster. The new six-part series, beginning on BBC Two Northern Ireland on Sunday 21st February at 9.45pm, was produced by Below the Radar and made with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.
Hame is a celebration of the people and places at the heart of Ulster-Scots communities across Northern Ireland. It will showcase craft, music, heritage, history and faith, all rooted in the townlands and villages their exponents call hame.
The series explores and brings to life the stories of missionaries, castles and a heroic lifeboat crew, all with ties across the narrow sea to Scotland.
Kicking off in the heartland community of the Braid Valley, Ruth discovers a Blacksmith’s Forge which has been lovingly restored, while Mark finds out about a minister on the run, who hid out in the hills of Glenwherry.
Episode two finds Mark and Ruth in the seaside town of Donaghadee where they learn of the once booming harbour and how a young girl left its shores to become a world-famous missionary, finding a new home in India.
In episode three in Ballymoney, the presenters catch up with poet Charlie Gillen, Singer/Songwriter Jordan Mogey and uncover a wealth of local archive footage, capturing football matches, everyday life in the town and even a visit from the Queen.
Episode four sees Mark and Ruth visit Ballyclare, which was once the home of paper making in Ireland for over 200 years. Ruth meets with Rev John Nelson to learn more about South Antrim’s links with Scotland and a mighty revival that swept across the Six Mile Water Valley.
In episode five Mark and Ruth travel south to discover the ties between a Monaghan man and the hills of Jamaica, find out more about the first voice of radio in Northern Ireland, and how a young lad from Monaghan went on to manage one of the world’s most famous football teams.
The final episode is set in Strangford, home to a host of birds, landmarks and a way of life captured in the Ulster-Scots words and phrases particular to the area. Mark catches up with Fergus Bell on the shores to hear how this place influenced his father, Sam Hanna Bell, and his work, while Ruth visits Killyleagh Castle, still home to the Hamilton family who first moved there in the 1600’s.
Hame airs on BBC Two Northern Ireland on Sunday 21st February at 9.45pm.
