Love it or loathe it, Haggis is Scotland's best known dish.
What is haggis?
Have you ever heard of haggis? It’s a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs — and yes, it tastes better than it sounds!
In this short English listening lesson, you’ll watch a short video and answer questions to help you understand and learn new words. It’s a fun way to explore Scottish culture while improving your English.
Unlock the secrets of the haggis
Answer the following questions
Listening Questions
- 1. What ingredients are in a haggis?
The sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, oatmeal, onion, spices and suet.
- 2. What is a good idea to drink with haggis?
Whisky.
- 3. What are "neeps" and "tatties"?
The Scot's words for turnips and potatoes.
- 4. Would you try it?
Yes, of course! It's delicious.
🗓 Did you know?
Haggis is usually eaten on Burns Night (25 January), a celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The evening includes music, dancing and a special poem called Address to a Haggis.
This haggis was for a traditional Burn's super.
Practise more English with ECS Scotland
Would you like to learn more about Scottish culture while improving your English?
Our Experience Edinburgh course combines classroom learning with real-life English around the city — museums, local food, storytelling and more.
Watch this video to see how you can prepare a haggis for your own Burn's supper.
Now try and answer these questions about the video.
- Can you name the vegetables you can eat with a haggis?
- Potatoes
- Turnips or Swede
- Carrots
- What verb is used for taking the skin off vegetables?
To peel
- What are the ingredients cut into?
- Cubes
- Quarters
- Finally, what is haggis best served with?
On a plate with mashed potatoes, mashed carrot and turnip
