Rook
The Haggis
The chess piece shows the mouth-watering Haggis, considered to be something of a delicacy in Burns’ day. A traditional Scottish dish, it consists of a mixture of oatmeal, seasoning and sheep or lamb offal wrapped in a sheep’s stomach.
The Haggis remains remarkably popular today, although culinary choice has widened greatly. Despite its colourful description, the haggis is easy on the tongue – even more so with a drap of whisky.
The Haggis is seen here atop a tower of Burns’ poetry and readings - filling the traditional serving dish, with the ceremonial knife laid to one side, ready to release the juices. On the base are images representing other Burns works including the Wounded Hare; the Owl and the Mountain Daisy.
Address to the Haggis. December, 1786
“Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face. Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!
Aboon them a' yet tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy o'a grace, As lang's my arm."
‘Address to a Haggis’ – Chris Rutterford