The Haggis n. (pl. the same)

The Haggis is about the same size as a small dog and in the winter hibernates in the ancient Forests of Caledon. After hibernation the animal quickly moves to the High Tops as it has difficulty walking on flat ground. This is due to its right-hand set of feet being shorter than those on the left. This came about as a result of the Haggis spending the summer on the higher ground and consequently it only climbs the mountains in a clockwise direction.

Just as there are wild and farmed Scottish Salmon, there are also wild and commercially farmed Haggis. The farmed Haggis are free-range and are brought to market very quickly so that there is a plentiful supply of this Scottish delicacy. The connoisseur’s choice though is the wild Haggis, which has an exquisite taste due to the animal’s diet of juniper berries, heather and wild garlic.

Just like the Grouse there is a season for shooting the wild Haggis. This is between February 29 and April 1. They are traditionally shot with an arrow blown through the bass drone of The Great Highland Bagpipe. Once shot the wild Haggis is usually hung for three days to allow the juices of the juniper berries, heather and wild garlic to suffuse the flesh of the animal. It is traditionally eaten with Neeps (the nether regions of sheep) and tatties (mashed potatoes).

The Haggis also features in many of the summer’s Highland Games. Featuring alongside other great Games’ traditions such as Tossing the Caber are the Haggis Hurling Championships. This World Series event culminates in the last Highland Games of the season when the winner of the most Haggis Hurling contests is named the Champion of Champions and is presented with the Golden Haggis. This sport is also under consideration by the Caledon Olympic Committee as a potential Olympic sport.

Permits for The Wild Haggis shooting season are as rare as the animal itself, but The Ross and Cromarty Pipes & Drums School have negotiated with the Scottish Public Office Of Firearms for visitors to this website to exclusively download a permit for the hunting of The Wild Haggis.

Once you have downloaded the permit just print your name in the appropriate space and, once you have the necessary equipment, the Bass Drone of The Great Highland Bagpipe and your arrows, you are ready to climb the High Tops and hunt The Wild Haggis.

Please click PERMIT for the download.