Piping in the Haggis

**Prester John** · 2nd August 05, 02:08 PM

Hello all.

I'm new here, but have a specific, relatively off-topic question.

First of all, thanks for not flaming me right off the bat.

I'll be attending my sis-in-law's wedding in a month, and though neither me, nor my 3 boys, is in the party, we are going dressed to the kilt!

Anyway, my wife, who was denied having a scottish wedding for ours (21 yrs ago, bless her), is looking for the "rubrics" for piping in the haggis.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Prester John

**Prester John** · 2nd August 05, 02:16 PM

Ooops, I should have mentioned, for propriates sake...

we will be in rented Black Watch. I wanted to get myself a Clergy Green tartan, and my boys into Robertson Red, but time and money constraints have popped that balloon.

Rentals it will have to be. Heavy sigh.

**macwilkin** · 2nd August 05, 02:28 PM

Hello, Prester John!

Obviously, there are many forms of the "Haggis ceremony" that are found at Burns Suppers & St. Andrew's Nights the world over. The following is the one that our local St. Andrew's Society (Springfield, Missouri) uses. It was taken from "The Burns Supper Companion" by Hugh Douglas.

1. Piper
2. "Haggis Bearer"
3. Escorts -- two kilted gents with broadswords on either side of HB (optional)
4. Whisky Carrier -- holds two bottles of Whisky crossed in form of Saltire above head
5. The "Addresser" of the Haggis (the one who gives the Address)

Sometimes the Chef will be asked to carry the Haggis into the dinner. The procession may "snake" through the tables and halt in front or near the head table/podium. The Haggis is placed on a small table, which has a glass or quaich (a two handled Scottish mug or cup). Whisky is poured in the glass/quaich, and then each member of the "Haggis escort" is given a sip, ending with the piper, who is supposed to shout "Slainte" (Slanj) "Your Good Health", etc. drain the glass, flip it over, and kiss the bottom. The piper and Haggis Escort then is dismissed, and the "Addresser" takes his place at the table. A large knife, a horn or spoon, and the refilled glass should be on the table as props for the address.

PM me if you have any more questions. I have been one of the co-planners of ours Burns Supper for five years now, and I will be Addressing the Haggis in 2006.

Slainte!

Todd

**Prester John** · 2nd August 05, 02:36 PM

Cajun...

That is a great help! Thanks so much for your prompt response.

When my wife gets home with the boys, I may have more questions.

Again, thanks!

A friend of mine is a "Prester" in Springfield, MO. I haven't been there for a few years, though.

Do you have Highland games there?

**sav** · 2nd August 05, 02:41 PM

Prester John,

Welcome! To add to Todd's comments, I am a piper who routinely pipes in the haggis. If you have any questions about the music side of things, PM me and I can suggest appropriate repertoire.

Slainte!

**macwilkin** · 2nd August 05, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Prester John

Cajun...

That is a great help! Thanks so much for your prompt response.

When my wife gets home with the boys, I may have more questions.

Again, thanks!

A friend of mine is a "Prester" in Springfield, MO. I haven't been there for a few years, though.

Do you have Highland games there?

We have games about 30 miles north of Springfield at Buffalo, Mo. on US 65:

http://www.swmocelticfestival.com/

There are also nearby games in KC, St. Louis, Tulsa, Batesvlle, Ark. and The Arcadia Valley (Ironton).

Just let me know if I can be of anymore assistance!

Cheers,

Todd

**macwilkin** · 2nd August 05, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by sav

Prester John,

Welcome! To add to Todd's comments, I am a piper who routinely pipes in the haggis. If you have any questions about the music side of things, PM me and I can suggest appropriate repertoire.

Slainte!

To add to Sav's post ;) -- Our piper will usually play "A Man's a Man for a' That", in honour of Burns, although he has played "Scotland the Brave" and "Scots Wha Hae" as well.

T.

**Prester John** · 2nd August 05, 02:51 PM

Todd, et al...

Thanks so much for your help, and for the promptness of your assistance.

This is a great place!

Remember me on Sept. 2, when me and the boys are out in our kilts (no one else knows we are coming in Highland dress - it should be fun!)

**Lee** · 2nd August 05, 04:36 PM

Sorry . . . can't help with the rubrics, but I'd like to salute you and the boys for going kilted. Excellent.

Lee

**Bill** · 2nd August 05, 05:21 PM

Sorry I can't help with the information either but I see that Todd has well taken care of that. Welcome to the forum!

I noticed from your other post that you are a member of the clergy out of curiosity may I ask which denomination? I hope I'm not out of line with my query.

Bill (Baptist clergy Ret.)