Cunning plan to stop poachers
SELKIRK, UNITED KINGDOM - JAN 25 SELKIRK HAGGIS HUNT (Photo: Rob Gray)
A CUNNING plan has been hatched by the organisers of this year’s Great Selkirk Haggis Hunt to prevent poachers bagging the birds, writes Bob Burgess.
Last year a gang of plunderers was spotted on The Hill about an hour before the hunt was due to get under way.
Head Haggis Hunter Jimmy Linton said: “Fortunately, their haul was small and there were plenty left for the genuine hunters when they arrived. The young poachers probably thought it was just a bit of fun – like plundering apples or cleeking the odd salmon – but if they had been more successful their actions could have seriously affected the viability and popularity of this amazing event.”
But the planners of this Sunday’s hunt – which last year attracted around 200 followers – have taken the advice of military expert and former soldier Malcolm “Beechy” Grieve. He’s been put in charge of Hill security with the honorary title of Commander.
The Commander told The Wee Paper: “With my extensive military background I believe my team and I have put together a plan that will ensure the safety of the haggis until the hunters have marched from the Market Place to The Hill. Obviously, for security reasons, I am not prepared to divulge details of the plan, but its elements include lessons I learned from my time fighting for Queen and country. I am now prepared to fight for Haggis, Hill and Hunters.”
Arrangements for the hunt – properly known as the Town Arm’s Great Selkirk Haggis Hunt – are much the same as in previous years with the exception of the start time.
The hunt will get under way from the Market Place at 11.01am instead of 10.59am.
The usual rules apply. The only weapons allowed are baggie nets and home-made bows and arrows (blunt). The wearing of tartan is encouraged.
Jimmy told us: “We have been greatly impressed over recent years to see how much tartan takes to The Hill, and this year we would like to see more – kilts, trews, scarves, jackets, skirts, waistcoats, bonnets or knickers.
“It has also been fantastic to see so many families and youngsters take part – that has been really pleasing for us. Certificates and badges will be issued to those taking part and we hope that everybody has a fantastic day.”
The haggis currently roaming The Hill were taken from the breeding flocks of butchers Lindsay Grieve, Halliwells, James Cockburn and Son, and current Scottish haggis-making champion Darren Hoggan of J.A. Waters, as well as that of Sainsbury’s.
A stirrup cup will be drunk in the Market Place before two pipers escort the hunters to The Hill, stopping at the Argus Centre to dance the specially-arranged Haggis Polka with music from Riddell Fiddles.
For anyone unable to join in the preliminaries, they should meet the hunters at the Pot Loch at approximately 11.29am.
On the return, an afternoon of music takes place in the lounge of the Town Arms whose proprietor Mark Hay is one of the main benefactors.
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Weather for Selkirk
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
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