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Vernon鈥檚 history of haggis revealed

Happy Robbie Burns Day! They had haggis in Vernon back in 1939
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The haggis is piped in to the Scottish Daughters鈥 Robbie Burns Dinner at the Vernon Elks Lodge in 1939. (Museum and Archives of Vernon photo 11192).

It鈥檚 not the most eye-pleasing meal out there. But word is, Scottish haggis is actually not bad!

Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep鈥檚 鈥榩luck,鈥 (heart, liver, lungs) minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, mixed with stock and traditionally cooked encased in the animal鈥檚 stomach.

It鈥檚 a grand part of Robert Burns Night, or Burns Dinner, held every Jan. 25 in honour of the famous Scottish poet.

鈥淏urns Night is a time to enjoy Scottish traditions and celebrate the renowned poet Robert Burns with a classic combination of haggis, neeps, tatties, some reciting of poetry, and maybe even a warming dram,鈥 it says on the Burns Night page on scotland.org. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also an opportunity to celebrate Scotland鈥檚 enduring legacy of creativity.鈥

Neeps, or Swedes, is a turnip, and tatties refers to, of course, potatoes.

As the historical photo from the Museum and Archives of Vernon shows, haggis has been piped into Vernon gatherings since at least 1939, and the tradition continues courtesy of the Vernon branch of Sons of Scotland.

They鈥檝e already held one Burns Dinner at the Schubert Centre, and a second dinner is set for Saturday, Jan. 27, at the ANAF Club featuring the music of Kilt.45.

Robert Burns鈥 most famous work is arguably the traditional Scottish song Auld Lang Syne, celebrated at New Year鈥檚 Eve functions worldwide as the clocks strike midnight. The lyrics were written by Burns in 1788. Translated, Auld Lang Syne loosely means 鈥極ld Times Sake.鈥

The song鈥檚 popularity grew in the 20th century, particularly after it was featured in the 1946 film It鈥檚 a Wonderful Life.

The first Robert Burns Night was held July 21, 1801, to mark the anniversary of his death. Burns died in 1796.



Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
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