The welcome news that the Ulster-Scots Agency are providing the entertainment at the Linfield-Rangers friendly in Belfast plays its part in cementing a friendship and relationship between two parts of the kingdom that manifests itself in a variety of ways. It is unarguable that Ulster is a natural destination for Rangers to visit for a friendly.
One of the Grandmaster's favourite sayings is that it's “intellectually unsustainable” to claim the undeniable links Scotland has with Ulster did not play a part in the Club's development. Rather than being something to shy away from, this part of the Club's heritage is something that has to be broadcast to the wider world. Rangers should without question involve themselves in the positive promotion that is currently underway with regard to the Ulster-Scots and their proud history. Rangers and the identity they have are a product of the inseparable bond between the Scots and Ulster.
With that in mind I would encourage everybody to involve themselves in the study of the Ulster-Scots movement to counter the ignorance all too-often on display in the Scottish mass media.
The delightful news that a game Rangers are involved in, in the country of our kith and kin, is to be supported by an organisation encompassing a history separated by a stretch of water but united by identity should be supported by everybody connected in whatever way to Rangers FC.
As was depicted on a mural in Ulster, “The story of the Ulster-Scots is seldom told. Discover it for yourself.” A recommended starting point is the website of the Ulster-Scots Agency: http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/
Yours in Rangers, Scotland and Ulster,
Ayrshire Billy Boy