Leanne Macdonald and young Maisie.Leanne Macdonald and young Maisie.
Leanne Macdonald and young Maisie.

Record numbers on Selkirk’s haggis cull

Whether you’re a fan of Burns, whisky or the Scottish national dish, or just prefer an excuse to ramble up Selkirk Hill in the sun, one universal truth still applies.

You just can’t get enough fun.

And that’s the one thing the Great Selkirk Haggis Hunt delivers above all else; from the daft catching tools to using the family dog to sniff out the prey, from the all new Haggis Hooligans’ Polka to the rather animated and hilarious address by Matthew Burgess.

The event, which began as a wee fun gadabout by members of the Town Arms pub has grown over its 14 years of existence to stunning effect. On Sunday, a record number of 567 hunters – and more than 50 dogs – celebrated Rabbie Burns by yomping up Selkirk Hill with massive smiles and a fine collection of baggie nets.

And, once again, local shops pulled out all the stops to make it a day to remember, with more than 200 haggis secreted (or hiding) around the hill.

Much to the delight of young lads with a head for heights, some of the beasts had lodged themselves in the highest branches of the trees.

Many other businesses in the town did their bit by donating prizes for the raffle.

One of the organisers, bar manager Louise Stephen, thanked all the hunters and all those who donated.

However, she added that if the event is to continue at its present rate of expansion, it needs more help.

She said: “It’s almost getting too big!

“We will have to look at new ways of raising money for the event, because we don’t want to see it come to an end.

“The kids especially really enjoy it, it’s great to see their smiles as they run on to the hill.”

To find out how you can donate to the hunt, pop in and see Louise at the Town Arms.

Louise added: “We couldn’t have done it this year without the help of our local businesses.

“I’d like to thank Mark Hay at the Town Arms, Selkirk’s Fire and Rescue Service, the Hill committee, Darren Hoggan at Waters Butchers, Cameron’s the Bakers, Lindsay Grieve, Taylor’s Butchers, Colin Turnbull, Down to Eartg, Jazz Rose, Caroline Penman at the post office, Mick Craig at Ettrickside Garage, Ian Philips at the County Hotel, Sparkie’s Diner, the Spar, Riddell Fiddles and all who helped on the day.”

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