MPs said haggis producers needed support

On the eve of Burns Night, the nine Liberal Democrat MPs tabled a Commons motion urging the government to ensure the iconic dish is preserved.

They claim cuts to the European Union's Social Fund have left a shortage of skilled workers in the meat industry.

Those to have signed the early day motion include former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy.

The motion was tabled by Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael.

It urged the government to ensure haggis producers are "adequately supported" to protect an industry with "global appeal" which is worth up to �1m to the Scottish economy in the run-up to Burns Night.