By Martin Sercombe
In the Scottish Highlands, a unique and age-old tradition is upheld every New Year's Eve. As the clock strikes midnight, the young men of the highland villages don their tartan kilts and set out on a journey across the moors.
It is believed that the haggis is only active during the winter months and that it can be found nesting in patches of sheltered heather in the most remote parts of the moors.
The young men who embark on this quest must be prepared for a long and arduous journey. They carry with them only the essentials: a lantern, a flask of whiskey to keep them warm and a horn to imitate the mating calls of the male haggis.
The men call out into the darkness, their voices echoing through the hills and valleys. They imitate the distinctive sound of the male haggis, a high-pitched, trilling call that can be heard for miles around. They walk for hours, their eyes scanning the ground for any sign of the haggis.
At last, after much searching, the young men catch sight of their quarry. They move quickly, using their horns to lure and hypnotise the young female haggis.
With great skill and dexterity, they capture it and carry it back to their village, where it is prepared and served as the centerpiece of a grand New Year's Day feast.
The meat is roasted to perfection, served with neeps and tatties, and accompanied by copious amounts of whiskey.
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