Massachusetts governor signs order making haggis legal

Massachusetts has become the first US state to officially 'legalise' haggis, a traditional Scottish dish that has been banned in the United States since the 1970s. The ban was due to federal food regulations concerning the consumption of offal, specifically sheep lung, which is a component of haggis.

The recent effort to make haggis legal again was spearheaded by a campaign from Simon Howie Butchers, a leading Scottish butcher, ahead of the World Cup. This was followed by Scottish podcaster David McIntosh Jr meeting with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

On Wednesday, Governor Healey signed an executive order to make haggis legal in the state. McIntosh Jr shared a video of the signing on social media, captioning it as an 'unofficial' legalisation. While individual states do not have the authority to override federal food safety and import standards, the move is seen as a symbolic start.

Governor Healey had previously praised the presence of Scottish fans in Massachusetts during the World Cup, noting their energy and enthusiasm. The arrival of over 20,000 Scotland fans also led to a temporary shortage of beer in Boston bars and the passing of a new law, the 'Tartan Army Bill', allowing over 140 establishments to extend their operating hours.