Pretani Associates delighted to attend the Dalaradia Historical Group Lamppost Event

Plaque wording; Late 19th century gas lamp donated by Pretani Associates, Dr Ian Adamson OBE and Helen Brooker, to the Dalaradia Historical Group to recognise their work on Common Identity. This work promotes one cultural narrative for the British Isles to which all can belong. A narrative which begins by understanding the first known name […]

Dalaradia Somme Event

Pretani Associates were delighted to attend the Dalaradia Somme Event on Thursday 9th January at the Somme Museum, Conlig. Dr Ian Adamson OBE, former patron of the Dalaradia Historical Group, was remembered on the anniversary of his passing by the Dalaradian Group. Two stained glass pieces of artwork were made by the community and donated to […]

Ian Adamson Inaugural Annual Event

Pretani Associates were delighted to attend this event last night at the Stormont Hotel organised by the Dalaradia Historical Group. Dr Adamson OBE was formerly their Patron. The theme of the event was “Better Together”, a discussion on the way forward for Northern Ireland post Brexit and the lead up to the centenary of N. […]

Pretani Associates – Tribute to Dr Ian Adamson OBE by the British Medical Journal

Ian Adamson: paediatrician who became mayor of Belfast and persuaded Ian Paisley to talk to Sinn Féin. Read more: https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l1136.full

Pretani Associates – BBC Radio 4’s weekly obituary programme, Last Word, remembers Dr Ian Adamson OBE

Last Word spoke to Wesley Hutchinson, Professor Emeritus of Iris Studies at Sorbonne Nouvelle. Watch it here.

Pretani Associates – Times Obituary for Dr Ian Adamson OBE

Ian Adamson Multilingual doctor with friends on both sides of the sectarian divide who became mayor of Belfast and persuaded Ian Paisley to talk to Sinn Fein. Politicians liked by almost everyone are a rarity, not least in Northern Ireland. Ian Adamson, an Ulster Unionist best known for being the lord mayor of Belfast from […]

Pretani Associates – Book Launch of Tracing the Ulster-Scots Imagination, by Wesley Hutchinson, Professor Emeritus (Irish Studies) Sorbonne Nouvelle

The following is an extract from Wesley Hutchinson’s speech delivered at the Irish secretariat, Belfast, 24th January 2019. First and foremost, I would like to thank Kevin Conmy and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their kindness and efficiency as well as for all the practical assistance they have given me in the […]

A tribute to Dr. Ian Adamson, O.B.E., Conlig, 14 January 2019

Ian Adamson was a highly complex person, with a whole range of roles as physician, politician, historian, and cultural activist. What I will say today will only scratch the surface of what was an exceptionally rich and full life.  Ian is perhaps best known through the series of books he wrote, starting with the best-known, […]

Pretani Associates – Farewell to Dr Ian Adamson OBE

Today at Conlig Presbyterian Church family and friends attended a service to remember and celebrate the life of Dr Ian Adamson OBE. VIP’s Alan Henry Brooke, 3rd Viscount Brookeborough, representative for the Duke of Gloucester, and President Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland and other dignitaries were also present. Close friends Sir Van Morrison and […]

Pretani Associates – President Michael D Higgins

“I have heard with great sadness of the passing of Dr. Ian Adamson, former MLA for Belfast, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, respected scholar and supporter of countless organisations that served to celebrate and protect our common heritage. Dr. Adamson never ceased to remind us that we are all but migrants in time and his […]

Pretani Associates – Dr Ian Adamson OBE

It is with great sadness that Pretani Associates announce the passing of their esteemed Director Dr Ian Adamson OBE. We wish his beloved Kerry our warmest thoughts at this time.

The Pretani Education Programme – Mapping the Ulster-Scots Imagination.

Pretani Associates are proud to announce the publication of Mapping the Ulster-Scots Imagination by Emeritus Professor Wesley Hutchinson of the Sorbonne University in Paris. This book is being published by the Ulster University, of which Wesley Hutchinson is a Visiting Professor, in association with Pretani Associates and with a grant from the Department of Foreign […]

Merry Christmas!

27 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Ancient Peoples (Australasia)

Pretani Associates have lived and studied in Australia and have seen the sacred site of Uluru, learning the customs and lore of the Aboriginal people. Torres Strait Islanders are the ancient people of the Torres Strait Islands, part of Queensland, Australia. They were and are a seafaring people trading with the people of Papua New […]

26 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Ancient Peoples (Central and South America)

Pretani Associates have lived with the  Quechua people in the Andes and have watched the Condors fly in the Colca Canyon, inhabited by the ancient Collagua and Cabana people. .They have climbed the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico, talking with the Zapotec in Oaxaca and the Arawak in the Caribbean about […]

25 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Ancient Peoples (North America)

Pretani Associates have visited or lived with all these peoples, from the Lakota, whose language we learned, to the Tyendinaga Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Hastings County, Ontario and the Haida of British Columbia. North America The Cree are one of the largest groups of ancient people who continue to live in North America today. […]

24 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Ancient Peoples (Asian & African)

Pretani Associates have travelled widely in Asia, from Georgia in Transcaucasia, travelling the Silk Road through Uzbekistan to China and throughout South East Asia. They have also visited India and studied the history and philosophy of that great country and lived among the Black community in the USA and Canada, both north and south of […]

23 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Ancient Peoples (Middle East)

Middle East Pretani Associates have travelled widely in this region and studied the ancient peoples there. The Canaanites were a collection of ancient people who inhabited the Near East, a region roughly corresponding to the modern Middle East. The Canaanite name occurs commonly in the Bible and some of the different groups were – Arameans. Moabites, […]

22 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Ancient Peoples (Europe)

Today we can still feel the influence of the Pretani within the British Isles, formerly known as the Isles of Pretani. Other ancient peoples, who lived during the period of the Pretani, also influence the different regions of the world today. Their names are known and the following are only examples. Europe The Etruscans called […]

21 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretanic music

By 2,500 BC the Pretani people had built a cathedral and created the Ring of Brodgar (a stone circle) on the island of Orkney, Scotland. Sacred rituals had taken place on this site in which music would have been a central feature. Musical instruments have been found in the shape of delicate bird-bone flutes, pipes, […]

20 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretanic Art (Jewellery and Ornaments)

 Early Pretani necklaces and bracelets would have been made from bone, teeth and stone using pieces of animal sinew, or pieces of carved bone to secure them. The oldest piece of Pretanic jewellery, an engraved shale pendant, was found at the site of Star Carr in North Yorkshire in 2015 and is on display in […]

19 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretanic Art (Rock Carvings)

Pretanic art was not only used for practical purpose. For example, while pottery created bowls and utensils for eating purposes, that would capture how people lived in a period of time. Another form of art, rock art,  has survived into modern times across the world and was used by many early cultures. The triskelion symbol, […]

Pretani Associates – National Service of Thanksgiving – Armistice.

Pretani Associates’ Dr Ian Adamson OBE, founder Chair and Vice-President of the Somme Association, was honoured to have been invited by Her Majesty’s Government to personally attend the National Service of Thanksgiving commemorating the Centenary of the Armistice in London. The Service was scheduled to take place in Westminster Abbey in the early evening of […]

Pretani Associates – Willowfield War Memorial

The annual Commemoration Ceremony of the Willowfield War Memorial took place on the Woodstock Road, Belfast today. This memorial was built by Sam Miskelly in honour of his uncle of the same name and all the men from the area who died with the 36th (Ulster) Division in the First World War. It was formally […]

18 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretanic Leisure

With the development of farming resulting in a surplus of food, the Pretani people would now find they had leisure time. As the Pretani lived during a time of relative peace it allowed art, jewellery and music to flourish. Pottery, painting, drawings and other early art forms provided a record of both daily life and […]

17 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretani Literature

Before writing was used within the Isles of Pretani (British Isles), important information such as laws, the genealogies of the clans, the history of the tribes and tales, were recited in verse. Storytellers remind us today of how important the old-world art of reciting was used to pass on information and remember heroes, whether real […]

16 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretanic Beliefs

The ancient Pretani monuments, particularly the stone circles, were viewed well into modern times as the domain of the ‘fairy-folk’. Indeed, such beliefs persist today and one such example occurred in 1998 near Kilkeel, County Down, Northern Ireland when building workers unknowingly disturbed a ‘fairy ring’. Three of them suffered separate accidents which were serious […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Chester Beatty Library

To further research the profound effect of Islamic Civilisation on Western Europe, Pretani Associates visited the Chester Beatty Library on the grounds of Dublin Castle. This was established by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty to house his unique collections of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts from the Islamic, East Indian, Far […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Avicenna and The Golden Age of Islam

The Persian Avicenna was the greatest physician of the Islamic Golden Age and may justly be considered as the Father of Modern Medicine. Some years ago, Pretani Researchers travelled to his birthplace at Bukhara in modern Uzbekistan. They travelled on President Boris Yeltsin’s train, with Russian Guards, on the Old Silk Road to China, through […]

15 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretani Monuments

As the Pretani evolved from hunter-gatherers, to farmers, to traders, they also left visible reminders of their engineering skills. Across these islands known today as the British Isles, the Pretani left many examples of their monuments such as: dolmens, court cairns, passage graves, stone circles, and standing stones. The circular earthwork known as the Giant’s […]

14 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretanic Language

Remnants of the Pretani language remain in modern times such as: Islay: which refers to the island that lies off the west coast of Scotland and 25 miles off Northern Ireland. Caledonia is the first known name of the land known today as Scotland. There are place-names in many parts of Great Britain, especially river […]

13 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretani Trading.

Purple dye As regions of the world became settled people will have migrated remaining connected to the original settlement. For example an ancient empire is the Phoenician empire were the people were known originally as Canaanites but would become known as Phoenicians as they expanded their control built by being a highly skilled maritime trading […]

12 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretani Culture

Pretan(n)ia or the Isles of Pretani is the first known name of the islands now known as the British Isles. The Pretani are the most ancient inhabitants of the British Isles to whom a definite name can be given. While initially hunter-gatherers the Pretani would develop farming within the islands. The Pretani were a matriarchial […]

11 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Pretani History

The Greeks have a history of settlement in the area of land now known as France. They established a colony in Massalia, known today as Marseille in the South of France. Massalia became one of the major trading ports and was at its height in 400 BC. The most famous citizen of Massalia was the […]

10 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Early Settlements.

Early temporary settlements in the Isles of Pretani are: Star Carr This is an ancient site in North Yorkshire, England and although it now lies under farmland prior to this usage archeologists found many ancient artefacts used by the Pretani hunter-gatherers such as, Britain’s oldest structure, red deer stag skull-caps that may have been head-dresses […]

The Pretani Educational Programme – The Pretanic Port of Larne – Pretani Associates

The coastal area around Larne has been inhabited for millennia, and is thought to have been one of the earliest inhabited areas of Ireland, with these early human populations believed to have arrived from Northern Britain via the North Channel. The early Pretani are thought to have had a sophisticated culture which involved trading between […]

Pretani Associates – Meeting with Minister of State for Northern Ireland.

A meeting took place on 18th October 2018 at Stormont House between the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Shailesh Vara MP and Pretani Associates’ Dr Ian Adamson OBE and Helen Brooker. The Minister endorsed what he described as their valuable work with communities throughout Northern Ireland.  

The Pretani Education Programme – The Iceni – Pretani Associates

The Iceni or Eceni were a Brittonic tribe of eastern Britain during the Roman era and their own journey had brought them from modern France into the Isles of Pretani.. Their territory included present-day Norfolk , where Pretani Associates are researching.. Julius Caesar does not mention them but the Iceni were a significant power in […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Saxon Shore and the Germanic Sea.

Pretani Associates are in the Norfolk Broads in East Anglia, which was settled in Pretanic times, with camps along the higher land in the west, where flints could be quarried. A Britonnic tribe, the Iceni , inhabited the area from the 1st century BC to the end of the 1st century AD. The Iceni revolted against […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Cambridge

Pretani Associates are in Cambridge, East Anglia. The earliest clear evidence of Pretanic settlement is the remains of a 3,500-year-old farmstead discovered at the site of Fitzwilliam College. Archaeological evidence of later occupation lies in a settlement on Castle Hill from the 1st century BC, perhaps relating to wider cultural changes occurring in southeastern Britain […]

09 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Farming in the Isles of Pretani

The Pretani people introduced farming into the islands, crops were grown, animals kept and many new types of implement were introduced. Farming skills would develop and as practising shifting cultivation, and rearing livestock grew it penetrated all the major upland areas and reduced considerable stretches of forest particularly in Ireland to grassland, scrub or bog. […]

Pretani Associates – The Democrats and Veterans Party – The Kingdom of Elmet

The Pretani Associates, Helen Brooker and Dr Ian Adamson OBE, have met two of the leadership team of the Democrats and Veterans Party, James and Joshua Dalton, in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim. This new Party has done particularly well in Barnsley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, where they recently held their Party Conference. They are […]

08 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Early Civilisations

These early civilisations or permanent human settlements are captured in ruins, monuments, jewellery, art, pottery and hunting and farming implements. Civilisations will have developed near rivers, fertile plains and coastal areas. Civilisations will have emerged independently and the first ones were: Mesopotamia or the Fertile Crescent – The Fertile Crescent was home to eight key […]

Pretani Associates – Cara Friend Event

On Ulster Day, Friday 28th September 2018, an inaugural event took place between the LBGT and Loyalist communities at the Reach UK Offices in East Belfast. Dr Ian Adamson OBE of Pretani Associates presented his translations of Ulster Scots provided for Reach UK on a series of framed posters relating to bullying, safe school space […]

Pretani Associates – Storehouse Works Programme

On Saturday 29th September 2018, Pretani Associates joined Baroness Eileen Paisley at the Bannside Library for the annual Founder’s Day event. This was in support of the Storehouse charity. Storehouse provides practical provision in the way of food, clothes and furniture and seeks to build positive relationships and support to people through community focussed environment. […]

07 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Civilisation

Civilisations or permanent human settlements were now being established – villages, towns, cities, which in turn created rural and urban communities. People were now learning to share space and the realisation that working together could create more benefits than living separately. There was now time to develop skills and technology such as metalwork, the wheel, […]

06 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Farming

During this current ice age, glaciers have retreated and the melting ice watered many landmasses across the world. This increased rainfall resulting in prolific plant growth and areas that had once been desert became areas of rich fertile land. With the creation of rich fertile land, people discovered wild grain would grow in this soil, […]

05 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – The Hunter-Gatherers

These first people survived by hunting and gathering. They were the earliest inhabitants of Scrabo Hill, who used it as a place of security close to the seashore thousands of years ago. They mainly lived in small nomadic groups and this roaming lifestyle, living in different locations, was essential for finding wild plants and animals […]

Pretani Associates – A Journey to the Immortal Isles

Pretani Associates have just returned from the Gaeltacht in Co Donegal. Discussions took place with native speakers of West Ulster Gaelic. Further copies of Dr Adamson’s book, A Journey to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal, were distributed. These have been very well received among the native Gaelic-speaking community. A return […]

04 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Land Bridges within the Isles of Pretani

Two land Bridges Ireland and Britain had two land bridges; North-eastern Ireland and South-western Scotland South-eastern Ireland and South-western Great Britain These two land bridges created an inland freshwater lake. As the ice retreated sea levels rose connecting the lake to the surrounding sea becoming brackish and then saline. This water is now known as […]

03 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Doggerland

Ice will have covered the isles of Pretani or Pretania, known today as the British Isles, but as it became warmer the ice sheet gradually melted and retreated northwards exposing land connecting mainland Europe with the largest island now known as Britain. This exposed area of land was a wide undulating plain containing river systems, […]

02 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Background

The shape of the land, depth of the oceans and their names which we know today will often not be the same our ancestors knew. Geographical changes have occurred and continue to occur due to the movement of the earth’s plates and the amount of ice in the world. Today there is great concern on […]

01 – Pretani Associates – Isles of Pretani Series – Introduction

The Isle of Pretani series of posts are part of the Pretani Education Programme (PEP) to create a cultural narrative to which we can all belong  within these islands, known today as the British Isles. This series is designed to provide ongoing support to those communities in Northern Ireland who are now embracing knowledge. It […]

Pretani Associates – SSAFA Coffee Morning.

On Saturday 8th September, on the invitation of their friend Rt Hon Jim Shannon MP, Pretani Associates attended this annual Armed Forces Charity Event in the Town Hall, Newtownards, Co Down. On behalf of Pretani Associates, Dr Ian Adamson OBE presented a donation to the Charity. He also spoke to his colleague, the Deputy Mayor […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Great Cross of Dalaradia.

Pretani Associates were honoured to visit again the Great Cross of Dalaradia. This was crafted by members of the Dalaradia Group from Rathcoole and constructed in the studio of stain glass artist David Esler at Donegore. It was unveiled by Irish President Michael D. Higgins on Thursday 27th October 2016. Its base shows the Isles of Pretani. The beautiful work […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Government of Ireland.

Dr Ian Adamson OBE of Pretani Associates and Robert Williamson, Chairman of Dalaradia, were delighted to present a copy of A Voyage to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal to Kevin Conmy, Joint Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland. The book uniquely contains a translation of Old Gaelic into Ullans or Ulster Scots. The […]

Pretani Associates – The Battle of Guillemont (3-6 September 1916).

Pretani Associates attended the Somme Ceremony to mark this battle and that of Ginchy in July of this year. The Battle of Guillemont was an attack by the Fourth Army on the village of Guillemont and its capture was the culmination of British attacks which began on 22/23 July. Dr Ian Adamson OBE, Vice President of the Somme Association […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Progressive Unionist Party.

Yesterday Pretani Associates met the Leader of the Progressive Unionist Party, Billy Hutchinson. Among the several topics discussed were Ulster History and Culture, local and national politics, and the Languages of the British Isles. It was agreed that co-operation on these issues would greatly improve the quality of life for all in Northern Ireland.  

The Pretani Education Programme – The Carthaginians, Greeks and Romans.

Last night, Pretani Associates were at the Skipperstone Road Community Centre, Whitehill, Bangor. Presentations were given on the meaning of the names of our islands by the ancient Carthaginians, Greeks and Romans and their importance today. The earliest names for Ireland and Great Britain were Ierne and Albion. Ierne means the “Furthermost Habitation” in Carthaginian […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Pursuit of Knowledge

Knowledge ensures freedom from harm as long as it is not controlled by power, ie – those who desire control over others, land and possessions for self-gain. This desire for control only creates harm for an individual/s or a society. To achieve control for self-gain requires two key components: A state of ignorance or lacking […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Stonehenge.

The iconic structure known as Stonehenge is perhaps the world’s most famous ancient monument. It was built by the Pretani in several stages: the first monument was an early henge, built about 5,000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was erected about 2,500 BC. Much later many burial mounds were built nearby. Today, along […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Early Houses of the Pretani at Skara Brae.

Skara Brae in the Orkneys dates to 3,100 BC, at the same period of Newgrange. It was built in two main phases. Little is known about the first, as further excavation would require the demolition of the later houses. Our Pretani researcher visits the site regularly. His photograph shows one of the earliest buildings of […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Newgrange

Newgrange was built by the early Pretanic farming community, which prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. It was constructed 5,200 years ago in 3,200 BC, which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. It appears to have been of great astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial significance, […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Malin Head

Malin Head is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. Ptolemy’s Geography (2nd century AD) described a point called Venniconium Promontorium, which was probably Malin Head. The Greek “ Wenniknion” or Latin “Venniconium” is associated with the people called Venniconii in Donegal or Vennicones in Caledonia (modern Scotland). The Venniconii were Pretanic and the rest […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The United Ulster History Forum

Dr Ian Adamson OBE was honoured recently to present his book, A Journey to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal to the UUHF in Ballywalter, Co Down. The UUHF was formed in 2007 when history enthusiasts from the Ards Peninsula met and decided to form a history forum to advance their […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Kilclooney Dolmen

The Kilclooney Dolmen, which was built by Pretani farmers around 3,500 BC, is one of the finest portal tombs in Ireland. It stands near Ardara in Venniconia, now called County Donegal. Other fine examples are those of Wateresk, also known as the Slidderyford Dolmen, near Newcastle, and Greengraves, also known as The Kempe Stones, near Newtownards, both in County Down. […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Columba

Columba or Columb-Cille, the founder of Iona in the Ulster Kingdom of Dalriada in Scotland, was born of the Pretanic Clan Conall in Gartan, Donegal. Columba had previously studied under Finnian, or Uinnian in Brittonic, at Movilla in Newtownards. According to the Annals of Ulster, Columba founded a monastery at Derry Calgach, the Oakwood of […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Rock of Doon.

The Rock of Doon was the inauguration stone of the O’Donnell family, kings, princes and lords of Tir Conall (Clan Conall), whose eponymous ancestor was Conall Gulban. Traditionally Conall was said to be a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages and belonged to a Gaelic clan. It is now known this is not actually […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Kingdom of the North.

The Stone Fort of the Grianan of Ailech in Inishowen, Donegal, was built on a much earlier site. The earthen banks surrounding it probably represent the defences of a hill fort of the Pretanic period. This hill fort is one of only 5 sites in Ireland marked on Ptolemy¹s map of the known world. From the 5th to 12th […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Gaelic Tradition

Written Gaelic is first attested in Ogham inscriptions from the fourth century AD, as shown in this replica from Inishowen. This stage of Primitive Gaelic transitioned into Old Gaelic through the fifth and sixth centuries, absorbing Pretanic and Brittonic influences. By the tenth century, Old Gaelic had evolved into Middle Gaelic, which was spoken throughout […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Donegal Gaeltacht.

Pretani Associates have now travelled throughout the Donegal Gaeltacht conversing with native speakers. Ulster Gaelic (Gaeilic, Gaedhlig or Gaidhlig Uladh) occupies a central position in the Gaelic-speaking world, consisting of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is usually divided up into West Ulster Gaelic as outlined in this map, where it is still […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Ranafast

Pretani Associates are in Ranafast in Donegal, where the West Ulster Gaelic (Gaeilic or Gaedhlig) is still spoken as an everyday language. Dr Adamson presented his new book on Bran, Son of Febal to his friends there. Ranafast was the home of the writers Seosamh O Grianna and his brother Seamus, who joined the Language […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Venniconia (Donegal)

Pretani Associates are presently taking part in another study tour of Donegal. The modern name of this county means the Fort of the Foreigner but it was once known as Tir Conall, the Land of Conall. Conall was said to be a descendant of Niall of the Nine Hostages, but this is now known to […]

Pretani Associates attend Victoria Cross Plaque Commemoration at Glasnevin Cemetery.

In commemoration of the Centenary of the foundation of the RAF, Pretani Associates were honoured on 27 July, 2018 to attend the Unveiling of a Victoria Cross Commemorative Plaque to Major Edward “Mick” Mannock VC, DSO & 2 Bars, MC & 2 Bars, on the invitation of Mr Paul Kehoe, TD, Irish Minister of Defence. […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The British Middle Kingdoms

Dr Adamson has outlined the history of these Kingdoms on his blog at www.ianadamson.net but Pretani Associates emphasise them in educational visits. Last week we were in the country of Ptolemy’s Votadini, which became one of the kingdoms.The Votadini, also known as the Wotādīni, Votādīni or Otadini, were a Brittonic-speaking people, known to themselves as Y […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Arthur’s Seat

Last week Pretani Associates visited Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh (originally  named Din Eidyn in Old British or Brittonic). It is sometimes said that the name Arthur’s Seat is derived from legends pertaining to King Arthur , such as the reference in Y Gododdin ., the Brittonic name for Ptolemy’s Votadini, as this was one of the British Middle Kingdoms […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Centre for Irish Studies, St Paul, Minnesota, USA

Euan Kerr takes Dr Adamson’s book, A Voyage to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal, for presentation to the Centre for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul Minnesota. This Centre  was founded in 1996 to advance teaching and scholarship in Irish studies. Dr Adamson had given […]

The Pretani Education Programme – The Peronne Museums

Péronne is close to where the 1916, first 1918 and second 1918 Battles of the Somme took place during the First World War. The Museum of the Great War is located in the château.The Musée Alfred Danicourt  was founded in the Hôtel-de-ville  in 1877 as a cultural beacon of the Somme but was pillaged by the Germans during the […]

Pretani Associates at the Somme, July 2018.

Dr Ian Adamson OBE, Vice President of the Somme Association, was proud to attend the Ulster Tower in Thiepval, France this month. The beautiful Memorial was based on Helen’s Tower, in Dr Adamson’s native village of Conlig, in view of Clandeboye Camp, where the 36th (Ulster) Division had trained. Dr Adamson was responsible for its […]

Pretani Associates at the Somme

In a photo by Sgt Janine Fabre of AHQ, Dr Ian Adamson, OBE, Vice President of the Somme Association, stands in tribute with soldiers of the Australian Army at Thiepval Memorial, France. His two grandmothers’ cousin William Sloan was killed on 1st July, 1916 and has no known grave. He is commemorated with his comrades […]

Pretani Associates – The National Day of Commemoration of the Republic of Ireland.

On the invitation of the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Dr Ian Adamson OBE and Robert Williamson, Chairman of Dalaradia, attended this Service on Collins Barracks, Dublin on Sunday, 8th July, 2018. They met their old friends President Michael and Mrs Sabina Higgins. Dr Adamson presented a copy of his book, A Journey to the Immortal […]

The Pretani Education Programme (PEP) – The Democrats and Veterans Party (DVP)

On 7th July, 2018, Pretani Associates met the Leadership Team of the new UK Party, the Democrats and Veterans, whose political philosophy is based on Direct Democracy. The first visit of their tour of the whole United Kingdom was held in the Reach Office in East Belfast, meeting local politicians, community activists, former soldiers and […]

The Pretani Education Programme (PEP) – Down Capacity Building Initiative.

On 5th July, 2018, Dr Ian Adamson OBE presented his book A Journey to the Immortal Isles The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal to the Down Capacity Building Initiative and the Dal Fiatach Cultural and Historical Society. The DCBI is based in Castle Square, Bangor, County Down, in the extensive grounds of the monastery […]

The Pretani Education Programme – Why are they called the British Isles?

Between 330 and 300 BC the Greek geographer and voyager Pytheas, in his Concerning the ocean, gave us the earliest reference to the British Isles, calling them the Isles of the Pretani (Pretanikai nesoi),  probably an indigenous name, the meaning of which we will never know. The name of the island of Islay is of […]

The Pretani Education Programme (PEP) – The First Battle of the Somme.

In 57 BC the Roman general Julius Caesar invaded Europe and decimated the Belgae people at the First Battle of the Somme. The Romans had developed concrete, and built straight roads, which allowed the rapid development of their Empire.The Old Roman Road still exists from Bapaume to Albert in France and was to become the […]

Pretani Associates at the Somme, 1st July 2018.

As founding Chairman and present Vice Chairman of the Somme Association, Dr Ian Adamson met old friends and trusted colleagues. Pretani Associates presented copies of his book, A Journey to the Immortal Isles, and the Common Identity booklet to Didier Samain, Mayor of Guillemont, Andrew MacKinlay, Baron Paul Murphy, former Secretary of State for Northern […]

A Journey to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal

Dr Ian Adamson OBE presents his books, A Journey to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal and Dalaradia, Kingdom of the Cruthin, to Alistair Todd, Private Secretary to HRH Prince Richard , Duke of Gloucester, whose son Alexander is the Earl of Ulster. Pretani Associates were delighted to sponsor Dr Adamson’s […]

Pretani Associates at the Guildhall in London

Pretani Associates at the Guildhall in London

St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group – Fundraiser

Pretani Associates were honoured to attend a Fund Raising event for the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group today. This important Group is a charitable foundation which operates an ophthalmic hospital in Jerusalem and satellite eye care clinics and hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It is a wholly owned corporate subsidiary […]

A Journey to the Immortal Isles Launch – Barron Hall, Newtownabbey

The next launch of Dr Ian Adamson’s book A Journey to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal was held in the Barron Hall, Newtownabbey on Thursday 14th June 2018. The presentation was made to the members of the the historic inter community group in the heart of Glengormley. Dr Adamson spoke of […]

Dalaradia Mural Unveiling Rathcoole

Pretani Associates were honoured to attend the unveiling of this truly historic mural in Rathcoole on Tuesday 12th June 2018. It is a significant mural depicting the Ancient and Medieval Kingdom of Dalaradia at its fullest extent, compromising the Modern County of Antrim and parts of County Down. Dalaradia was a Pretani or Ancient British […]

A Journey to the Immortal Isles, The Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal.

As part of the Pretani Education Programme, Pretani Associates continued their Launch series of Dr Adamson’s book in the Whitehill Estate, Bangor, close to the site of the mediaeval monastery. They were hosted by the Pride of Whitehill Band. Music was an important part of the life of the monastery and the continuation of that […]

A Journey to the Immortal Isles Launch – Dalaradia Historical Group

On Thursday 7th June, 2018, Pretani Associates had the pleasure of a second Launch of Dr Ian Adamson’s new book, A Journey to the Immortal Isles, Immram Brain maic Febail – the Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal. This was organised by the Dalaradia Historical Group, of which Dr Adamson is Patron, as part of […]

A Journey to the Immortal Isles, Immram Brain maic Febail

This latest book by Dr Ian Adamson, A Journey to the Immortal Isles, Immram Brain maic Febail – the Voyage of Bran, Son of Febal was launched by Councillor Robert Adair, Mayor of Ards and North Down on Tuesday, 29th May, 2018, in Bangor Castle, near to where the story was first written. In attendance […]

Offering Hope In Tumultuous Times…

Pretani Associates Paris Ironically, it’s easy enough to think of things which are equally beloved by the whole community in Northern Ireland: Comber spuds dripping with butter, Tayto Cheese ‘n’ Onion crisps and the creamy pint of Guinness, to name but a few… So why is it that people in Northern Ireland simply can’t stomach […]

New Community Perspectives on Northern Ireland

Pretani Associates and Dalaradia Historical Group to speak at Sorbonne University in Paris on Common Identity. Pretani.co.uk Dalaradia.co.uk Pretani Associates, Helen Brooker and Dr Ian Adamson will be discussing their work on Common Identity – A new way forward for Northern Ireland The Chair of the Dalaradia Historical group will be discussing their work promoting common culture […]

Pretani Associates Ltd Common Identity Booklet

Is there an understanding?  The cause of tension is often a much more deep-rooted problem that can be thousands of years old. Common Identity Booklet now available in a digital version click  here  

Pretani Associates attend Final Centenary Commemorations of the Battle of the Somme.

Battle of the Somme Commemoration, Dublin Pretani Associates were delighted to attend the screening of the film, The Battle of the Somme, which marked the centenary of the end of the Battle. This film was an extraordinary and unique documentary produced by the Imperial War Museum. The event took place in the National Concert Hall, Dublin, […]

The Common Identity Tree is not just for Christmas, it’s for life…

Pretani Associates would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2017 – A year for new thinking…

Presidential Visit to Dalaradia at St John’s Church, Donegore

Pretani Associates supported and assisted the Dalaradia organisation during the visit to St John’s Parish Church Donegore by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, on Thursday 27th October 2016. His Excellency viewed the grave of the great Ulster poet, Sir Samuel Ferguson. He then travelled a short distance up Donegore Hill to the studio […]

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester…

Pretani Associates were delighted to support the Dalaradia organisation in their production of a book of memorabilia of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visit to Belfast on the 21st April 1941. This book was presented to HRH Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester at Kensington Palace on the 75th Anniversary of the […]

BE BITTER, OR BE BETTER…

A new strategy which offers Northern Ireland a way forward out of the current sectarian stymie is launched today by its co-authors Mrs Helen Brooker and Dr Ian Adamson OBE. Focusing on Common Identity, the Pretani Associates’ project, which has been developed over the last four years, uses the early history of these islands as […]

Centenary Commemoration

Pretani Associates together attended the Centenary Commemoration at the Ulster Tower, Thiepval, France. The photograph shows Dr Ian Adamson OBE, founder chairman and now Vice President of the Somme Association, with his former colleague, Lt. Col (Retired) Charlie Bennett at the service.

Skara Brae – An ancient Pretanic settlement

Skara Brae is an ancient human settlement found on the largest island within the Orkneys,Scotland. It was built in 3100 BC and is therefore older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. These photographs were taken by our Pretani Associates Researcher following a recent visit to the island in June 2016.

Eddie Irvine’s Formula Ford Car

Eddie Irvine’s Formula Ford Car

Pretani Associates attend Burns Night Supper Event

Pretani Associates attend Burns Night Supper Event

Intercommunity Columbanus Event

Columbanus College and Dundonald High School provide the music at the event. Names from left to right. Alastair Seeley, Jeremy McWilliams, Dr Ian Adamson OBE, Thomas Fagen, Eddie Irvine Dr Ian Adamson OBE, Eddie Irvine

The Annual Daniel O’Connell Lecture

Minister for Diaspora Affairs Presents The Annual Daniel O’Connell Lecture ‘The relationship between Daniel O’Connell and the Duke of Wellington’. Sunday 17th May 2015. Glasnevin Cemetery.

Plain Scots Bible Volumes 1 & 3

The Ullans Academy publish the Plain Scots Bible Volumes 1 & 3 thanks to funding from the Ulster Scots Academy.

Boyne Valley Area

The Dalaradia group organized an inter-community trip to the Boyne Valley area in the Republic of Ireland to visit Newgrange, County Meath, Republic of Ireland. Newgrange Monument The group also visited the Battle of the Boyne Visitors Centre, near the River Boyne, Republic of Ireland. Boyne Visitor Centre

The Ullans Academy Historic Inter-Community Event

The Ullans Academy, a community based group from Belfast, host an historic inter-community event in the Great Hall in Belfast City Hall on 23rd November 2013. Helen Brooker as Chair 2013 was delighted when over 300 guests attended and Dr Ian Adamson OBE, President of the Ullans Academy and the President of Ireland, Michael D […]

Dalriada Kingdom

The Dalaradia group visit the Dalriada Kingdom where they were able to see the Dunnad Coronation Stone, mid Argyll, Scotland. Dunnad Coronation Stone Dumbarton Castle Another visit by the group was to Dumbarton Castle, west Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Dumbarton

Dalaradia Coronation Stone and ‘Stone Chair’

The Dalaradia group, a community-based group in southeast Antrim. was established in early 2013, One of their key objectives is to ensure the preservation of the Dalaradia Coronation Stone and ‘Stone Chair’ at Crew Hill, Glenavy, Northern Ireland for the benefit of the community and for future generations. Crew Hill Coronation Stone, Glenavy, Northern Ireland […]

Queen at Islandbridge

On Wednesday 18 May 2010, as Chairman of the Somme Association Dr Ian Adamson OBE was in Dublin as a guest of the Government of the Republic of Ireland, where he was presented to the Queen by President Mary McAleese.. Both unionist and nationalist politicians from Northern Ireland were among those present when The Queen […]

Duke of Gloucester, President of the Somme Association at Gallipoli

Dr Ian Adamson OBE with Prince Richard , Duke of Gloucester, President of the Somme Association at Gallipoli 23rd March 2010 to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Dardanelles campaign.

Old Belmont School Preservation Trust

The Old Belmont School Preservation Trust (OBSPT) was a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It was established in November 1999, with founding Chair Helen Brooker. The main aim was to ensure the preservation of the former Belmont Primary School, a landmark building in east Belfast, for the benefit of the community and […]