A Nimrod crew flying out to the Gulf from RAF Kinloss this weekend are taking 70 haggis with them so Scots stationed in the region can enjoy a traditional Burns Night supper.

They are also taking two sacks of neeps - known as swede or turnip - donated by a local farmer.

The captain of the 201 Squadron crew, Flt Lt Chris Perks, said that out of respect for local culture, the meal would have to be served without whisky.

Burns Night is held on 25 January and celebrates the birth of national bard Robert Burns.

They'll have to do without their whisky but I am sure it will be greatly appreciated none the less Flt Lt Chris Perks

The haggis was supplied by Lossiemouth butcher Scott McLeod and two sacks of neeps were donated free of charge by a farmer.

The crew is leaving on Saturday morning with the food from their home station at Kinloss on the Moray coast.

Two Nimrods have been in the Gulf since last September conducting surveillance in the waters around the Gulf in support of the war against terrorism.

Flt Lt Chris Perks said: "The station warrant officer out there is from Buchan so hopefully he'll take charge to ensure it is cooked to the Scots recipe.

"In respect to Arab culture - and of course the fact that they are on duty - they'll have to do without their whisky.

"But I am sure it will be greatly appreciated none the less - particularly by the Scots out there. "

Worldwide there are about 400 Burns clubs, and more than 500,000 Burns Suppers are held every year.

Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, on 25 January 1759.