Haggis hurling
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Haggis Hurling is a Scottish sport involving the hurling of a Haggis as far as possible.
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Origins
The tradition of Haggis Hurling dates back to early Scottish Clan Gatherings, where the women folk would toss a haggis across a stream to their husbands, who would catch the haggis in their kilts. 17th century Scot, Dr L Maddox, was especially famous for his haggis catching ability.
In the modern version a haggis is hurled for distance and accuracy from atop a platform (usually a whisky barrel). The Haggis must be edible.
Two variations on the tradition 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 18 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.
Rules & Regulations
The haggis must be of traditional construction.
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.
Events
There is a World Haggis Hurling Championship. Haggis Hurling was supposed to be presented as a demonstration sport at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
External link
- The Association for Scottish Haggis Hurling, United States Branch (http://www.haggishurling.org/hweb/)