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Haggis Cooking School in Scotland

Haggis making class in Scotland. When we travel as a family we like to try new things and cooking normally comes quite high on that list. Having kids has not stopped us from hunting out new eating experiences. Charlie particularly enjoyed our traditional Cretan cooking class when we visited Crete a couple of years ago. Keen to do something similar when we visited West Scotland and the Isle of Skye I set about trying to find a Haggis cooking class – Scotland’s national dish.

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Haggis making class in Scotland

Thinking that the idea would be very popular I was surprised to find that classes were hard to come by. Especially in Western Scotland. The only one we found was east of Loch Lomond – The Haggis Experience. Cook school Scotland. It wasn’t what had initially been looking for so I was a little dubious. But it turned out to be a great hands-on experience that both my husband and Charlie loved.

We visited in August when the boys were aged nine and five. We opted for the Haggis making and tasting which was the only option available when we booked. They now also offer a demonstration with lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. We chose the morning session as it worked with the other things we had planned for that day. Although Harry was not as hands-on with the cooking experience. They had laid out some crafts and colouring for him to have a go at.

How to get to the Haggis Experience

The location of the Haggis Experience cooking school is on a working farm which means that there is plenty of parking. Which is just as well as you do really need a car to reach it. The closest city is Stirling which is about half an hour away by car. I would also recommend a visit to Stirling Castle if you are close by. From Glasgow, it is around a fifty-minute drive north. As we were travelling up from Ayr to The Isle of Skye we took part in the Haggis Experience on the route and still managed to catch the Jacobite going across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

What to Expect The Haggis Experience – Scottish Haggis

Because of the pandemic when we visited we had our experience outside. So depending on the time of year make sure you wrap up warm. The beautiful fresh air can be a little nippy even on the warmest day. Ours was a small group, we were only joined by one other person.

Our experience started with our host explaining the origins and history associated with Haggis including Scottish poet Robert Burns. We have had haggis along with Cullen skink on burns night which is on January 25th. Not wanting to give the game away, there was a lot of discussion about a very rare animal. it was very entertaining and had plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Then we were joined by a professional chef that talked us through the ingredients that go into making a traditional haggis. He also explained the different ways it can be made.

Vegetarian haggis options are available on request, although we chose the traditional recipe. It was interesting hearing about some of the lesser know ingredients, spices and herbs that make up the mix.

Haggis making class in Scotland – Then it was time to grind the meat and make up the mixture. Charlie of course could resist getting his hadn’t dirty and had a go at mixings and also stuffing the haggis. He was not put off by the sheep’s stomach which is the natural casing of the Scottish national dish. Due to the small group size, it meant that it was much more of a one on one Haggis making class. The sessions can take up to twenty people so it is worth calling ahead to see the size of your class if you want a more personal experience.

Tasting Haggis – Haggis making class in Scotland

It is not possible to taste the haggis that is made during the demonstration because they need to sit and mature for a few days. However, while you are busy learning in the kitchen there is a cooked haggis ready to taste. As tradition dictates one of the parties must address the haggis before it is served with tatties (mashed potato) and haggis neeps (root vegetables). It reminded me of a Robert Burns supper I had attended previously for work. For someone who is not a fan of haggis, I was pleasantly surprised by just how nice the haggis tastes. I am sure this is to do with the high quality, Scottish produce which is used in the Scottish cookery classic. The boys all loved it with Charlie having seconds and taking a doggie bag with him. He is even asking to make haggis sausage rolls!

How much does it cost?

Tickets for the experience cost £18 for adults and £12 for children. It lasts around seventy-five minutes although we were there for a good hour and a half if not longer. Both our host and chef were very friendly and obviously very passionate about Scottish tradition and history. It was a very enjoyable and memorable experience and one we would highly recommend to any family that has an interest in history and food. Find out more and book your tickets on their website – The Haggis Experience.

Have you tried the traditional Scottish food of haggis? Or enjoyed any authentic cooking class or a traditional dish while travelling? I would love to hear about them in the comments below.

PIN for later – Haggis Making Class in Scotland

Cooking Class, Food Review, Foodie Experience, Scotland

7 Responses

Malaika Archer says:

at 10:42 pm

Haggis sounds interesting; I have never tasted it. I would opt for the vegetarian one. Sidenote: I attended a Burns Night once, and it was phenomenal.
proseccobefore7 says:

at 7:48 am

Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been to. I didn’t know they offer cooking classes! This is something I would be very interested to learn. Thanks for sharing!
Jupiter Hadley says:

at 11:13 am

What a lovely experience – we love cooking courses, though haven’t done one outside before! Looks like your family enjoyed it.
mosaic murals says:

at 4:13 pm

I’ve been to a Scottish event a few years ago where they brought a haggis and someone started to recite poems and songs, it was fascinating to be part of this event.
Laura says:

at 4:56 am

How cool is this! What a fun experience. Cooking classes are such a way to really immerse yourself in a culture.
Lavanda Michelle says:

at 11:23 pm

That is very interesting. I had no idea what Haggis was, now I want to look into it more. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Cushing says:

at 4:05 pm

I have never eaten Haggis before but have heard lots about it. I would love to try it as I am always open to trying anything and it looks like this class was super fun and I like this kind of stuff. I want to get to Scotland for a visit as it is a wonderful country 😉