North Lanarkshire haggis named first ever world champion
The haggis from Coopers of Bellshill butchers won the inaugural world championship event
A secret family recipe has been announced as the winner of the first ever haggis world championships.
The haggis from Coopers of Bellshill butchers was described by the judges as being “near perfection”, as it beat out over 70 competitors to grab the top spot.
Co-owner, Laura Black, said it was the highlight of her career to win, adding: “being a member of the Butchers Federation, it’s important to support these events, so we put it in really with hope rather than expectation, as this is the first time we’ve ever entered our haggis into any competitions.”
The 40 year old family recipe is a closely guarded secret, and Laura did say: “there are obviously a few secret ingredients, if anyone can taste it and tell us, but we’ll never divulge what those are.”
The North Lanarkshire butchers is the first to hold the title, and head judge John Wilkin said: “If there's better haggis out there somewhere in the world then I want to taste it.
“Laura’s haggis is worthy of the World Championship title – it’s absolutely superb.”
Laura credits the staff at Coopers with the win, saying: “we’ve got an amazing team, and it’s been a real team effort.
“They’ve helped tweak and perfect a family recipe, the traditional recipe, into a winning one, and I think that’s really testament to the teamwork we have here in the shop.”
The staff at Coopers are preparing to make a bumper batch of their champion haggis, and Laura said: “I think it’s about letting everyone know, not only how fantastic our haggis product is, but it is Scotland’s national dish.”
The team are planning a big in house party to celebrate their victory.