18 Mar 2026
As part of BBC Radio Ulster St Patrick’s Day Coverage
Former British MP Mark Logan appeared on BBC Radio Ulster yesterday for a special St Patrick’s Day broadcast, exploring the significant role of Ulster Scots – or Scots-Irish – heritage in shaping American identity, politics, and culture.
Logan went on to say that more than 20 million Americans trace their roots to Ulster Scots stock, a community that has “punched above its weight” despite Northern Ireland’s modest population of under two million. He pointed to iconic figures including Davy Crockett, Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, Neil Armstrong, and presidents such as Andrew Jackson and Chester A. Arthur – the latter’s ancestral cottage near Ballymena, close to Logan’s own family roots.
Logan also said the Scots-Irish story is enjoying a notable resurgence in Washington DC. He referenced President Donald Trump’s placement of an Andrew Jackson portrait in the Oval Office, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent Munich Security Conference speech praising the “proud, hardy clan” from Ulster’s hills, and Vice President JD Vance. “We’re seeing a holy trinity of influence,” Logan remarked, noting that at least 13 US presidents have had Ulster Scots connections.
The former MP contrasted this with the long-dominant Irish-American narrative associated with figures like President Joe Biden, suggesting a reassessment is now underway. He highlighted distinctly Scots-Irish traits – individualism, adventurism, and that stubbornness “thran” – as values that continue to define the American frontier spirit.
Logan stressed fresh opportunities for Northern Ireland-US ties, noting increasing promotion through Ulster Scots agencies in Belfast and Donegal and welcomed the appointment of a new Ulster Scots commissioner. He also noted Northern Ireland’s nuanced international stance, including on the Middle East, gives it flexibility in building transatlantic relations ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The interview is available to watch on YouTube via Mark Logan’s channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UApgJWa0oks&t=15s