Burns Night celebrations reach new heights...
A Perthshire butcher has launched haggis up to the edge of space.
Last updated 22nd Jan 2021
You may have heard the myth about wild haggis popping up in mountains - but what about on the edge of space?
One of Scotland's most famous exports has reached new heights.
A haggis has been launched over one hundred thousand feet for the first time as part of Burns Night celebrations
Scottish butcher Simon Howie worked with space education and research firm Stratonauts to launch the 454g haggis in Perth and Kinross this month.
The haggis was attached to a weather balloon and soared more than 20 miles (107,293ft) above the Earth - equivalent to nearly four times the height of Everest.
The haggis was airborne for two hours, 37 minutes and covered a distance of 52 miles.
It has now been safely transported back to the company's headquarters, where it will be preserved for years to come as the first haggis in space''.
Mr Howie said it is hoped the mission, which came ahead of Burns Night on January 25, sparks intergalactic and scientific interest in young people.
Once the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, the company plans to run workshops in partnership with Stratonauts in local primary schools to encourage more pupils into science, technology, engineering and maths-related careers.
Simon Howie commented: “After a year like no other, we wanted to kick off 2021 by lifting the spirits of the general public. We are thrilled to have worked with Stratonauts to take Scotland’s national dish to new heights!
“Burns Night is one of the most important dates on the food calendar for us and we wanted to mark the occasion by sending the UK’s best-selling haggis, the Original 454g, to the edge of space.
Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on MFR. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.