Seumas A Ghlinne for Burns Day

In the autumn last year I met my dear friend for an appointment, a covid safe museum visit and after we wandered down to the High Street, to possibly get a coffee, I the end we visited a crazy junk and antiquities shop and peered in through the window. In the window there were treasures but amongst them this odd fellow, a Haggis!

This one created from an old fur coat plastic nose, glass eyes, 4 duck feet, and who knows what the tusks were. But this odd creature was the creation of Seumas A Ghlinne and the proof and evidence of his study and book: 'The Haggis - an endangered species' by Seumas A Ghlinne Published by Rose Wind Press, 1995. 

I adore its craziness, the haggi itself was not for sale but the book was so I have one of the very few copies. 

Haggis Day

The top haggis I made in my textile class for a bit of fun. The middle Haggis has been made (rapidly) for a christening in Ireland this weekend of the grandchild of one of my student's support workers. 
He has nipples a hairy chest and a string (lace) vest. (or as Freya said "he has wonky pimples")
The bottom two are a drawing of Haggis by my student Joan Cargil. 
It is Burns Day in Scotland, a time to drink whiskey eat haggis and enjoy poetry.

Where did the haggis go?

To tell you the story of what happened to my students haggis.
He was arrested by the transport police in Inverness! But then released on bail by a restaurateur from 'The Joy of Taste' to be the guest of honour at a Burns supper. I am so proud that he made it to Inverness and was addressed so warmly.

Haggis on a train to Inverness

Below: Waiting at Kirkcaldy train station, above on the Inverness train.

Today is Burns day in Scotland. I have been making Haggis for weeks with my students, tiny ones, tartan ones and this giant 6ft, kilted and dashing Haggis. Today he left us to travel north with a label.

I am hoping that people on the train will take their pictures with him and possibly make him guest of honour at their burns supper . . . I hope he doesn't get lost on the way!