Scottish Deer Centre first in the world to capture a live haggis in Fife
Once a myth, now no more: today explorers from the Scottish Deer Centre, near Fife in Scotland, announce that they are the first in the world to capture a live haggis.
Article Source: The Scottish Deer Centre
Last Updated: 1 April 2022 6:44
Feared to be extinct for centuries, the supposedly mythical creature was discovered by a specialist team in the depths of the Lomond Hills which surround the popular Scottish tourist attraction, after locals spotted mysterious footprints in the local glens.
Using specialist equipment, the team of experts commissioned by the Deer Centre unearthed tracks which revealed the markings of a small, hairy creature rotating in circular motions. The haggis, which is believed to be of the Scotti dexterous variety given its continuous movement in a clockwise direction, has two legs longer on the right side of its body.
The discovery has mystified ecologists who for years believed the animal lived in the Scottish Highlands.
The Scottish Deer Centre’s discovery propels the haggis into the global spotlight ahead of the Loch Ness Monster, which has evaded thousands of global Nessie hunters for decades.
The centre has built an enclosed sanctuary to home the haggis, simulating the natural surroundings of the Scottish countryside. It is now inviting visitors from around the world to come and try and spot the haggis, which is known to be evasive.
Sarah Rice, General Manager at the Scottish Deer Centre, said: “This is an unbelievable discovery, right on our doorstep. We wanted to ensure the protection of this endangered species, so we have worked with experts to carve out a home for the haggis at the Scottish Deer Centre. We’re proud to have made the discovery right here in Scotland and can’t wait to welcome crowds from around the country and overseas to visit our latest guest.”
Haggis have been hunted in Scotland since the 1700s. Typically hunts take place on the evening of Burns Night, a day which celebrates the country’s most famous poet and storyteller, Robert Burns. His most popular “Address to a Haggis” sonnet is believed to have been conceived because of his love for the creature.
Founded in 1988, the Scottish Deer Centre opened as a working deer farm and has expanded to now home animals long-lost from the Scottish countryside such as the Lynx and the almost extinct Scottish Wildcat, while focusing on conservation, education and research of Scotland’s creatures.
TOP 10 HAGGIS FACTS – THE MYTHICAL ONE
1. The origin of the word ‘haggis’ isn’t known for sure, but it is thought to come from the Old Norse word höggva, meaning to cut or hit. (reference: Simon Howie)
2. According to ancient Scots folklore, the haggis is thought to be native to the Scottish Highlands.
3. Haggis are believed to have two legs significantly shorter than the other two, which helps the animal to thrive in the wild and steep Scottish mountains.
4. It is this asymmetrical body shape which means haggis can only travel, with ease and speed, in one direction – clockwise (Haggis Scottii dexterous) or anti-clockwise (Haggis Scotti sinistrous), depending on whether its legs are longer on the left or the right.
5. These two varieties of haggis coexist peacefully but are unable to interbreed in the wild.
6. The haggis’ fur is long, shaggy, and mane-like, which helps it survive the harsh winters of its habitat.
7. Some haggis have adapted particularly well to the boggy areas of Scotland, with extra-long snouts that give them an advantage when bog snorkeling.
8. The Hebridean Haggis is thought to be the original native species from which all other haggis is descended. This breed of haggis was much smaller and hardier than the mainland varieties and formed part of the staple diet of the ancient Scots.
9. The traditional season for hunting the haggis is during the height of winter, between St Andrew’s Day (30 November) and Burn’s Night (25 January).
10. Haggis Hunting is often done in pairs. One person will run at the wild haggis to startle it. As it tries to turn around, it is then likely to fall down the hill. The second person will wait at the bottom of the hill, ready to catch the haggis once it tumbles down.
To learn more about the Scottish Deer Centre, visit: https://scottishdeercentre.co.uk/
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
New Spring Dinners from Baern at Bowhouse
Baern, an award-winning bakery and café based at Bowhouse, are offering a laid-back yet thoughtful seasonal Dinner Series on 19th, 26th April and 3rd May.
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
The Proclaimers join in celebrations for landmark anniversary of sight loss charity
Scottish rock legends the Proclaimers have joined in the celebrations to mark the 160th anniversary of one of the country’s sight loss charities.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring
To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families
An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green
BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week
To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MORE
Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up
With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MORE
Architect awarded extended contract for major St Andrews West development
Award-winning architecture and design practice Studio LBA has been appointed for the next residential phase of the St Andrews West masterplan development.
READ MORE
Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break
From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.
READ MORE
The Shoregate Launches a Chefs Travels Tasting Menu
The Shoregate in Crail has launched a five-course tasting menu of flavours from around the world, inspired by Head Chef Craig McAllister’s travels during his career.
READ MORE
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind
To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events
Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links