Scotland fans prompt Massachusetts governor to declare haggis legal after Boston takeover

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order declaring haggis legal in the state after the Tartan Army’s exuberant takeover of Boston ahead of Scotland’s 1-0 World Cup 2026 warm-up victory over Haiti, with more than 20,000 Scotland fans turning the city into a temporary home away from home.

The gesture came with a significant caveat: individual US states cannot unilaterally legalise haggis, since food safety imports are regulated at the federal level. The dish has been banned from sale in the United States since the 1970s because its key ingredient — sheep lung — is classified as offal and falls under strict federal import regulations. Governor Healey’s order is therefore symbolic rather than legally binding, but the sentiment was warmly received.

“The Tartan Army has brought the energy, joy, and enthusiasm to Massachusetts,” Healey said. “This is truly what the World Cup is all about. 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.”

The Scots’ arrival had already left a mark on the city in more practical ways. Multiple bars reported running low on beer stock after the fans poured in over several days, drinking alongside Bostonians — many of Irish ancestry — in scenes described as a friendly occupation. The city responded in kind, signing what was dubbed the “Tartan Army Bill”, which allowed around 140 bars to extend their opening hours.

The haggis campaign itself predates the Boston trip. Scottish butcher Simon Howie launched a petition calling for the federal ban to be repealed, writing on Instagram: “We can send haggis to space, but we can’t take one with us to watch the game?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.” The petition attracted more than 20,000 signatures.

Whether the federal ban is ever formally revisited remains to be seen, but for now Scotland fans can claim a cultural foothold in New England — even if the haggis itself still cannot legally cross the border.