When we were kids, my mum ( Scottish ) used to tell us that the Haggis bird only lived in remote areas of the highlands and ate purple heather exclusively. Once a year, special permission was given for shooters to go out and catch a bunch of them for people to eat. Since they didn't have wings and could only waddle like a duck, they were easy to catch!
Amazingly, i completely believed this well into my 20's. I only happened to realize it wasn't true when i caught a TV show about traditional scottish dishes and a butcher was making up his own haggis in a huge mixing machine..!
It is amazing what you will continue to believe, if the truth never passes your path.
Doh!