The Red Brick Times

In the 20th century, the Haggis was known only as a particular Scottish recipe, often honored with poetry and ceremony on High Occasions. It is not widely known, however, that in the dim, deep history of Scotland, the Haggis was actually a small Highland animal.

Tales have been told of the fierce Wild Brindled Haggis of Mull, and of the North American Haggis-raising experiment of the Dane, Ole McDonald. In recent times, more information has become available concerning other breeds which were at one time common in other areas. This information is the result of much time and research carried out in out-of-the-way pubs and late-evening interviews with experts on the subject, whose expertise waxed or waned with the supply of Guinness.

In ancient days, many breeds of this shy, elusive and fabled little animal roamed freely throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. In fact, many of the old roads began as Haggis Tracks, sometimes resulting in precipitous routes which are now driven only by the less fearful - especially on Skye.

Most breeds of the Haggis were small and rotund (a shape foretelling its appearance on the platter). Most had large eyes, to better see through mist and during long winter darkness. All had thick fur for protection from the damp and chill. A few of the Island varieties had webbed feet, and at least one breed was egg-laying. Common was a fierce demeanor to ward off others, and all tended to develop unique habits. Some breeds were of a solitary nature, while some lived in loosely-organized groups called "grumps", a term obviously coined in reference to their temperaments. There are seven species for which historical information has been unearthed (to be continued).
Posted 10:01 PM by Andy (5) comments

       Comments:

The Multi-Colored Haggis of Harris

This breed had long silky fur and was larger than the usual Haggis. It was also a bit more even-tempered, except when molting, which occurred every seven years. This molting period was accompanies by much snappishness and bickeriing. They would scratch against rocks to dislodge the old fur, which was left in great tufts all over the island. Some aver that this is the origin of the phrase, "the seven-year itch." The resourceful and creative folk who inhabited the island at that time would gather this fur and weave it into a warm distinctive tweedy fabric. This art still continues, although no longer with Haggis fur.

# posted by  Andy : January 11, 2007 9:01 PM
 
The Black Velvety Balmoral Haggis

This distinctive Haggis was found throughout the Highlands, though few in number. Its fur was very short and dense. If a Highlander was fortunate enough to find one, the skin made a warm headcover. This was generally bound to the head with a checkered band of cloth, and some claim that this was the forerunner of the diced bonnet.

# posted by  Andy : January 12, 2007 10:42 PM
 
The Wee Tufted Burrowing Haggis
and
The Nonchalant Egg-Laying Haggis

These two breeds once inhabited the St. Andrews area. The Burrowing Haggis was wont to dig a hole about five inches in diameter and about four inches deep. This allowed him to keep watch for enemies, but also to remain somewhat sheltered from the wind. Savoring sweet grasses, he would graze an area surrounding his burrow until the grass was clipped smooth and velvety. The Nonchalant Egg-Layer was a wanderer, not limiting itself to a particular nesting site. The female laid eggs indiscriminately about the countryside during the summer months, eggs that were leathery, white, round and dimpled all over.

Gentlemen, when on walks through the area, with their knobbed walking sticks, soon began knocking the eggs out of their way with the knobbed ends of the sticks. This soon evolved into a contest, with competition waxing fierce (and with many a wager) to see who could knock a dimpled Haggis egg into a Burrowing Haggis hole. If, unfortunately, the hole was occupied, the Haggis would emit a protesting "GOFF," which was the danger cry of the Burrowing Haggis. As the popularity of this pastime increased, the gentlemen began inviting their friends for a Saturday of "Goffing" in the country. Large groups began gathering each Saturday, and the game became quite hazardous for both the Haggis and the players. To alleviate the crowded conditions, each group of players was alloted eighteen Burrowing Haggis holes, with their surrouding smooth grassy areas, for their game. The resident Haggis, disturbed beyond reason, migrated to other areas, only to find other gentlemen who, having heard of the St. Andrews "Goffers," rushed to take up the sport themselves. It is said that the Haggis finally, in desperation, stowed away on ships to other parts of the world, where evidence of their habitation still remains. Athough nothing has been heard of these two particualr breeds recently, they do deserve some recognition for their contribution to the sporting world.

# posted by  Andy : January 13, 2007 11:42 AM
 
The Singing Haggis of Skye

Inhabiting only the northern end of the island, these Haggis lived in family groups: sire, dam and two pups. The pups remained with their parents for two years. Occasionally, on a very dark, misty night, these families could be heard practicing the "Departure Song" deep within their burrows. This song was sung by the four on a midsummer's night in the mountaintops, to herald the departure of the pups to make burrows of their own. The sire and the two pups would each sing a particular note, as continuously as possible, while the dam would sing a melody. The people of that area were so taken with this music that, centuries ago, when this breed became extinct, they constructed a musical instrument to duplicate this sound as closely as possible. This instrument is still being played throughout the world by people quite unaware of its origin.

# posted by  Andy : January 14, 2007 9:57 AM
 
The Apocryphal Pink Haggis

Over the centuries, there have been scattered reports of sightings of pink Haggis. These reports cannot be taken seriously. All these sightings took place in or near major distilleries or popular pubs, thereby rendering questionable the credibility of the witnesses.

The Fearsome Iain Haggis of Glencoe

This tiny fierce breed lived in rock crannies high in the mountains and was seldom seen. Relatively recent sightings of this Haggis have been reported by a few Campbells, who claimed to have been savagely bitten about the ankles. Some wag has suggested that this might have been the origin of the Highland Fling.

Epilog

It is hoped that future research will continue to uncover new data concerning the Haggis. As this occurs, relevant data will be reported as received.

# posted by  Andy : January 15, 2007 9:44 AM
 
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