Anger as Executive lumps in haggis with hot dogs

Published on Wednesday 25 January 2006 00:16

JACK McConnell moved quickly yesterday to reassure butchers that haggis would not be banned for children - despite an Executive guidance which warned that the national dish was as unhealthy as chicken nuggets and turkey twizzlers.

The First Minister said he would be delighted for children to eat haggis, but they should do so only in "moderation", because of its high fat and salt content.

The confusion over haggis and its effect on the Scottish diet was sparked by a piece of Scottish Executive advice to schools and nurseries for children under five.

The nutritional guidelines warned schools that haggis has a fat content of up to 20 per cent and sometimes a high salt content as well.

This put it alongside burgers and hot dogs in it nutritional content and, according to the Executive, should only be served to youngsters once a week.

The move angered producers of the Scots delicacy, who say it is far healthier than the other foods on the restricted list.

Alan Pirie of James Pirie and Son, reigning Scottish haggis masters, said: "With good turnips and potatoes, there's nothing more nutritious than haggis. It's made of all natural ingredients - there's no rubbish in it at all. To compare it with processed meat like chicken nuggets or hot dogs is just ridiculous."

• SNP leader Alex Salmond today called for a Scottish winter festival to be set up in a bid to boost tourism.

Mr Salmond said such an event could run from St Andrew's Day on 30 November right through to Burns Night on 25 January.