Irish culture connection explored

There are long-standing historical links between the three countries

A funding bid is being made for an arts and museums project linking south west Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is working on the joint scheme to secure £800,000 of European support.

The money would be used to finance a project tracing 10,000 years of shared history under the banner Cultural Connections.

Museums manager David Lockwood said a "mixed bag" of events was planned.

It would include exhibitions, a dedicated website and a range of activities to "deliver history to the public in the three countries".

Mr Lockwood said: "We have lots of links with Ireland right back from the very beginning when the first people came to Scotland and to Ireland.

"From then on there has been a constant association.

"This would be the opportunity to explore that particular avenue."