In a remarkable display of beer keg diplomacy, the Tartan Army has achieved what many thought impossible: making haggis legal in Massachusetts. After tens of thousands of Scotland fans descended on Boston for a World Cup match, the state's governor signed an executive order to legalize the traditional Scottish dish, albeit with a caveat.
Historic Move
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the executive order that legalised haggis in the state, marking what some are calling the biggest British victory on American soil since the end of the Revolutionary War. The Tartan Army occupied the city, drinking its bars dry and forging bonds with locals over pints.
Haggis Ban
Haggis has been illegal to sell in the US since the 1970s due to its key ingredient: sheep lung. This offal is strictly regulated under federal food safety laws. Despite the state-level order, individual states lack the legislative power to legalise the dish, as food and safety imports are regulated federally.
Governor Healey acknowledged this, saying: "The Tartan Army has brought the energy, joy, and enthusiasm to Massachusetts. This is truly what the World Cup is all about." She added: "Between the bagpipes, the kilts, and thousands of Scotland fans turning Boston into their home away from home, the Tartan Army has made quite an impression on Massachusetts."
Campaign Success
A campaign to make haggis legal in the US was launched by Simon Howie Butcher, who called for the ban to be repealed. In an Instagram post, the butcher said: "We can send haggis to space, but we can't take one with us to watch the game? Nah. We're calling on the best fans in the world to sign our petition and help us Make Haggis Legal Again."
More than 20,000 Scotland fans travelled to Boston for the game at Boston Stadium. Numerous bars reported low beer stocks after the Scots arrived. The city embraced the visitors, signing the "Tartan Army Bill" that allowed some 140 bars to stay open longer.
