The Hour

The world’s first ever haggis-eating competition was held in Edinburgh earlier this month. Those taking part had to eat a pound of haggis as quickly as possible, and anyone who managed to finish their haggis in under two minutes had the chance of becoming the new Guinness World Record holder for speed-scoffing Scotland’s national dish.

The whole event was set up to raise awareness for the Healthy Heroes charity, and Miss Scotland Jennifer Mimnagh was there to offer support to the competitors.

Tucking into a plate of haggis sounds easy enough but no water is allowed between mouthfuls, and some of the participants underestimated just how big a pound of haggis actually is. Elaine Fee, organiser of the competition, said:

“Most of the competitors seemed to think that haggis came in a tiny little bag in a really small portion, but when it was spread out on the plate I think people have actually felt quite ill before they started.”

DJ Dingo was feeling confident about taking part and thought he had a good chance of winning as he pit his Aussie gut against the best Scotland had to offer, but after being beaten by a girl he was left feeling a bit sheepish!

As the competition heated up, young John Davis from Edinburgh managed to scoff his haggis in under two minutes, putting Dingo to shame. The results need to be sent to the Guinness World Records officials for adjudication, but it looks as if Edinburgh may have found a new competitive eating star.