7 things you didn't know about haggis

Who knew that haggis could come in so many shapes and sizes?

£4000 haggis
Author: Anna Sky Magliola

Who knew that haggis could come in so many shapes and sizes?

1. Haggis hurling is a real sport.

It is not only distance, but also accuracy which is important in this sport. Most importantly the haggis must still be edible after being thrown, so split or burst haggises are disqualified.

Haggis (sport)

© iStock

2. Haggis is not only served as a savoury pudding

Haggis comes in different forms including haggis flavoured crisps and even ice cream!

Haggis ice cream

© iStock

3. Haggis is an animal...

According to a third of all American visitors in 2003.

A Haggis specimen, Haggis scoticus, at the Glasgow Kelvingrove museum, next to a prepared specimen | © Emoscopes

4. It is illegal to import haggis to the USA

However it can be made there following strict rules. Sheep lung is banned from the US, so the American version doesn't contain that ingredients.

New York

© iStock

5. Operation Haggis

During the Korean War 82kg of haggis were transported by No. 30 Transport Unit RAAF to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who were based in Suwon, Korea.

Operation Haggis

6. Record breaking haggis

The largest ever haggis weighed 1,010 kg and was made by Hall's of Scotland at Fenton Barns, North Berwick on 18 June 2014. It was 2.8m x 0.93m x 0.65m.

Giant haggis

© Guinness World Records

7. A 'blow your budget' haggis

In January this year Macsween of Edinburgh created a very special haggis which was worth £4000. It included Highland Wagyu beef, white summer truffle and edible 24 carat gold.

£4000 haggis

© Macsween of Edinburgh