Since
the early Sixteenth Century Queens of May have been recorded in
Scotland. The practice of crowning a Summer Queen is still wide spread
and basically the proceedings followed are similiar - the ceremonious
arrival of the Queen and her attendants, crowning on a decorated dias,
procession, sports and games. Many of the Summer Queens have
distinctive names eg in Lanark, a Lanimar Queen, crowned on Lanimar
Day which is essentially a children's Gala Day. Lanimar Day is one of
the highlights of Lanark Lanimar Week which dates back to 1140 and
arose from marking the Burgh's boundaries.
On a
lesser scale than Lanark the East Wemyss Gala has just been held
with The Flag’s 11-year-old Caitlin Wallace as Gala Lass – she had a
great day.
Whatever the title of your local Summer
Queen, she will surely enjoy a "Royal" treat, Balmoral
Shortbread. Queen Victoria was said to be very fond of this shortbread
and regularly enjoyed it with a fly cup! To her credit, Victoria found
the plain and simple delicacies of the Scottish baking tradition much
to her taste.
Ingredients: 12 oz ( 375 g ) plain
flour; 4 oz ( 125 g ) sugar; 8 oz ( 225 g ) butter; pinch of salt.
Makes 36 - preheat the oven to 350 deg F/
180 deg C or gas mark 4
Method: Sift the flour onto a board. Put the sugar
into a separate pile and, using both hands, work all the sugar into
the butter. Now start kneading in the flour a little at a time.
When all the flour is worked in you should have a firm ball of dough.
Sprinkle a little flour on the board and roll out very thinly 1/8 "
- 1/4 " ( 3 - 5 mm ). Cut into circles about 2 1/2 "
in diameter ( 6 1/2 cm ) and prick with a fork in domino fashion with
three pricks. Bake on a greased tray in a moderate oven for 30
minutes.
