Neeps, Tatties, and Tears: A Taste of Scottish Funerals

Scotland is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural traditions. One of the most fascinating aspects of Scottish culture is the way in which they celebrate life and mourn death through their funeral customs. From bagpipes and kilts to traditional food and drink, Scottish funerals are a true reflection of the country's rich heritage.

The Scottish Funeral Tradition

The Scottish funeral tradition is steeped in history and culture, and has remained largely unchanged for centuries. In Scottish culture, death is seen as a natural part of life, and funerals are seen as a time to celebrate the life of the deceased rather than mourn their passing. From the moment of death, the body is treated with great care and respect, and the funeral itself is a time for the community to come together and pay their respects to the departed.

One of the most distinctive features of Scottish funerals is the use of bagpipes. Bagpipes have long been associated with Scotland, and are an important part of Scottish cultural identity. In Scottish funerals, a piper will often lead the procession to the graveside, playing mournful tunes as they go. The sound of the bagpipes is said to be a comforting presence for those who are grieving, and a way to honor the deceased.

Another important part of Scottish funerals is the carrying of the coffin. In many Scottish funerals, it is traditional for the male members of the family or community to carry the coffin on their shoulders. This is seen as a way to show respect for the deceased, and to honor their memory.

After the funeral, it is common for friends and family to gather together for a meal. In Scotland, traditional funeral food is simple and comforting, and is often served with a strong drink. One of the most popular funeral foods in Scotland is pancakes, which are served with a variety of sweet or savory toppings. It is said that pancakes were traditionally served at Scottish funerals because they were a simple and easy dish to prepare in large quantities.

Haggis: The Heart of Scottish Cuisine

Of course, no discussion of Scottish food would be complete without a mention of haggis. Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, and spices, and is usually encased in a sheep's stomach. While haggis might sound unappetizing to some, it is a beloved dish in Scotland and is considered a staple of Scottish cuisine.

Haggis has a rich, savory flavor that is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold Scottish day. It is often served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), and is traditionally eaten on Burns Night, a holiday celebrating the life and works of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The preparation and serving of haggis is steeped in tradition and ceremony, making it a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Vegan Haggis and Neeps & Tatties Recipes

For those who are interested in trying traditional Scottish food, but prefer to avoid meat, there are vegan versions of haggis and neeps & tatties that can be enjoyed. Here is a super simple recipe to try!

Vegan Haggis Recipe:

• 1 cup cooked kidney beans

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 cup oats

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

To make vegan haggis, preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mash the kidney beans and lentils with a fork. Add the chopped onion, oats, mushrooms, olive oil, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Mix well. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the haggis is browned and crispy on top.

For the neeps & tatties, you will need:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes

• 4 medium-sized turnips

• 4 tablespoons vegan butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

To make neeps & tatties, peel and chop the potatoes and turnips into small cubes. Boil them in a pot of salted water until they are soft, for about 20-25 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes and turnips together with vegan butter until they are smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to be extra fancy you can add this whiskey cream sauce to top everything off!

For the sauce you will need:

• 1 cup vegan heavy cream (such as soy or coconut cream)

• 1/4 cup whiskey

• 1 tablespoon vegan butter

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and stir for about 30 second and the add the vegan cream and whiskey to the saucepan and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about a third. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the whiskey cream cool slightly before serving.

Note: The consistency of the vegan whiskey cream may be thinner than traditional whiskey cream due to the lack of dairy fats, but it should still have a similar flavor profile. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the sauce during the simmering process to help thicken it