haggis records

Haggis Records: A Spicy Journey Through Scottish Music

Haggis Records, founded in 1982 by the fiery duo of Iain “The Highlander” MacCrimmon and Angus “The McFlurry” McGregor, has been a cornerstone of Scottish music for over four decades. Their mission? To bring the raw, powerful spirit of Scotland’s music scene to the world.

From Folk to Punk:

Haggis Records started with traditional Scottish folk music, featuring bagpipes, fiddles, and soaring vocals celebrating the country’s rich heritage. Iconic artists like the Broons (not the comic strip!), a family band known for their energetic renditions of classic folk tunes, and The Wee Clan, a six-piece ensemble with more bagpipes than a Highland Games, graced their early roster.

However, the label soon ventured into the vibrant, rebellious world of punk. The Loch Ness Monsters, a four-piece punk band whose lyrics were mostly about the dangers of Nessie’s “breath” and the “Loch Ness Monster’s Guide to Recycling” (which only contained the lyrics “put your cans in the bin, ya wee ba***rd!”), made waves with their raw energy.

The Quirky and the Wild:

Haggis Records has always embraced a touch of the eccentric. They’ve signed artists like The Kilt-Wearing Cowboys, a band that fused traditional Scottish folk music with Western country, and The Haggis Hurlers, whose live performances were legendary for their “haggis-hurling” antics (much to the chagrin of local butchers).

Fun Facts:

• The Broons were famously banned from performing at a church festival after a particularly spirited rendition of “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” turned into a near-riot.
• The Wee Clan once had a tour bus that smelled like a combination of haggis and bagpipes. They swore it was a “traditional Scottish scent.”
• The Loch Ness Monsters released a single titled “The Ballad of Nessie’s Boyfriend,” which was promptly banned by the local radio station for its suggestive lyrics.

The Haggis Legacy:

Through the years, Haggis Records has fostered a vibrant community of musicians who continue to innovate and experiment with their sound. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and celebrating the unique spirit of Scottish music has left an undeniable mark on the global music scene.

While Haggis Records may be known for their quirky artists and their love for the legendary haggis, their true legacy lies in their unwavering dedication to showcasing the power and diversity of Scottish music. They continue to push boundaries and keep the spirit of Scotland alive, one tune at a time.