Hurl a haggis: Annual championships at Burns’ birthplace hit by offal weather

Volunteer Alison Wilson dresses as Agnes Burns–robertburnsmother–todemonstrate how to hurl a haggis at Burns Cottage in Alloway. The World Haggis Hurling Championship is part of the village’s Burns celebration, which had to be cancelled yesterday due to bad weather. A year’s supply of haggis is offered to anyone who can surpass the world record for haggis hurling. The record of 217 feet was set by Lorne Coltart at the Milngavie Highland Games in 2011. Haggis hurling is judged on the distance and accuracy of the hurl. The total raised by Scottish Catholic charity Sciaf ’s annual Lent appeal is to be doubled this year under the UK government’s aid match scheme.

The campaign raises money for the charity’s work in Africa, Asia and Latin America, tackling hunger, poverty, disease and natural disasters.

This year’s appeal, to be launched on 14 February, will tell the story of families living in one of the poorest provinces of rural Cambodia, who rely on fishing to survive.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “It is vital that we help the poorest people stand on their own two feet. Sciaf’s Wee Box appeal is doing just that by protecting the rights of fishermen and farmers in Cambodia and giving them the tools they need to boost their incomes and support their families.

“Every donation made by the generous British public to Sciaf’s Wee Box appeal will once again be matched pound for pound by the UK government to help some of the most vulnerable people around the world lift themselves out of poverty.”

Sciaf director Alistair Dutton said: “This will help us give many more people the help they need to... have a better future.

“I urge everyone to take advantage of this amazing offer.”