HEALTH and safety officials are clamping down on one of Selkirk's most popular pastimes.

Every January hundreds of Souters have taken to Selkirk Hill in a bid to bag an illusive haggis.

Burns Suppers around the Royal Burgh have benefitted from the craft and skill of the seasoned hunters as dozens of puddins are brought to the pot.

But robust rules and regulations are being introduced for the 2017 hunt, which takes place next Sunday (January 22).

Dave Scott from the Great Haggis Hunt organising committee told us: "There is no better sight than hundreds of hunters taking to the hills to catch the haggis.

"The hunt has always been humane but the powers that be want to make sure we don't stray."

Hunt rules, such as no guns or crossbows, have been in place since the first hunt was held last century.

And yet again safety clothing such as wet suits and plus-fours will be encouraged.

But this year all hunters will be asked to add their names to a Muster Roll, which is held within hunt headquarters at the Towns Arms, and sign a declaration stating they have read the Rules of the Hunt.

Mr Scott added: "Selkirk Hill can be a dangerous place, especially during the hunting season, and we want to keep everyone safe.

"Selkirk can boast the oldest haggis hunt in the world, now we can also say it's the safest.

"We ask that everyone adds their name to the Muster Roll and reads the rules before we set off."

The Great Haggis Hunt will leave Selkirk Market Place at 11.02am next Sunday.

The procession will be piped onto the lower slopes of Selkirk Hill before the hunt begins.