This paper describes the first demonstration of ultraviolet (266nm) vortex generation using the combination of a frequency-doubled nanosecond green laser, a spiral phase plate, and a periodically bonded β-BaB2O4 device. For a laser pumping energy of 9.1 mJ, an ultraviolet vortex energy of 1.24 mJ was obtained, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 13.7%.