Haggis hurling

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Haggis hurling is a Scottish sport involving the hurling of a haggis as far as possible for distance and accuracy from atop a platform (usually a whisky barrel). The Haggis must be edible.

1 Background
2 Rules and regulations
3 Events
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Background

Although its proponents often claim an ancient origin, haggis hurling is almost certainly a modern invention. In 2004 Robin Dunseath, publicist for Scottish entrepreneur Tom Farmer and ex-president of the World Haggis Hurling Association, said he invented the sport as a practical joke for the 1977 Gathering of the Clans in Edinburgh, later using it to raise funds for charity at Highland games.

Two variations have developed, one enacted at festivals, the other a professional sport.

The present World Record for Haggis Hurling has been held by Alan Pettigrew for over 20 years. He threw a 1lb 8 oz Haggis, an astonishing 180 feet, 10 inches on the island of Inchmurrin on Loch Lomond in August 1984.^[1] However, the Australian cricket player Tom Moody was purported to have thrown a haggis in 1989 over 230 feet.^[2]^[3]

[edit] Rules and regulations

The haggis must be of traditional construction, consisting of a tender boiled sheep's heart, lung and liver with spices, onions, suet and oatmeal and stock stuffed in a sheep's paunch, boiled for three hours.

At the time of hurling the haggis should be cooled and inspected to ensure no firming agents have been applied. Rules dictate that the haggis must be packed tight and secure, with no extra "skin" or "flab."

The sporting haggis weighs 500 grams, with a maximum diameter of 18 cm and length of 22 cm. An allowance of ±30 grams is given and this weight is used in both junior and middle weight events.

The heavyweight event allows haggis up to 1 kg in weight, but the standard weight of 850 grams is more common, with an allowance of ±50 grams.