SIMPLE PLEASURES

Supposedly loved by Mary, Queen of Scots, shortbread has been a staple confection in Scotland for centuries

ROBIN MCKELVIE

Unlike some of the more mystical symbols of Scotland, shortbread is straightforward Never dare to suggest to a Scot that shortbread is just a ‘biscuit’, or even – heaven forbid – just a ‘cookie’. Doing so would have an enraged Jamie Fraser swirling his claymore around the room. Shortbread is most certainly not a biscuit, nor a cookie. This sugary, buttery life-affirming delight is a national institution that has been integral to Scottish life since medieval times and is still vastly cherished today by Scots of all generations. To be fair, on this, the UK authorities seem to understand that Scots are a breed apart: under the UK tax system Scottish shortbread is taxed as a ‘flour confection’, or ‘baked goods’, rather than any other inferior sweet throwaway. You can…

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Scotland (Digital) - 1 Issue, May - June 2024

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