Nigel Ovens, owner of McCaskie’s Butchers in Wemyss Bay, has been crowned World Haggis Champion.
The third-generation butcher was overwhelmed when he secured the global title at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair in Perth on Sunday 11 May.
“This is the culmination of a lifetime’s work to perfect our haggis recipe,” said Nigel. “I’ve spent years watching, tasting, tweaking and learning from others and I’m absolutely thrilled to be lifting the World Championship – it’s a dream come true.”
Nigel’s haggis won the Scottish Championship 10 years ago and he was determined not to change the recipe as he faced the best in the country for the World title. He had to fight off stiff opposition from 55 other producers, earning glowing praise from the judges.
Head judge Jon Wilkin said Nigel’s haggis had something special. “It was meaty, with a coarse but moist texture, just the right amount of offal to flavour but not overwhelm, a really good salt level and a wonderful spicy peppery element that kicks in at the end – a real champion.”
Nigel, however, refused to reveal just what went into his winning entry. “Let’s just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal,” he said, “but after a lifetime spent perfecting the recipe, I’ll keep the rest a secret.”
The world title was a reward for the 24-strong team at Wemyss Bay, Nigel said. “This means so much to me. It literally is a lifetime’s achievement – I’m so honoured, so humbled and so thrilled.”
