The World Haggis Hurling Championships have taken off again backed by McKean Foods -  the official sponsors of this long overdue event.
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.
In the modern version a haggis is hurled for distance and accuracy from atop a platform (usually a whisky barrel).
Two variations on the tradition have developed, one enacted at festivals, the other a professional sport.
It is due to be presented as a demonstration sport at the 2004 Olympics!!    

The Scottish heats took place at the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games earlier this month. North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand heats will follow soon in readiness for the World Championship next summer.

The present World Record for Haggis Hurling has been  held by Alan Pettigrew for over 18 years. Hardly surprising if you consider he threw a 1lb 8oz haggis an astonishing 180' 10'' on the island of Inchmurrin on Loch Lomond in August 1984. 

Click on the thumbnail for a full size picture of Alan "tossing the caber" - not, by the looks of it, 
someone you would want to meet on a dark night! Alan is still very much in demand for various media events through his hurling prowess. He may be 20 years older since that historic hurl but we don't see him giving up the title without  a fight. Newcomers be warned!

There will be more specific  information  to follow but if you cannot wait for why not take a short 15 minute on-line course on the sport of Haggis Hurling at The Learning Channel .

Alternatively if your interest is more general and you just like the thought of flinging things (haggis or otherwise) through the air why not seek out The Trebuchet Site - dedicated to the world of Hurling