👉 Is Moving to Scotland a Good Idea? Read this Comprehensive Guide for information on Visas, Jobs, Housing, Healthcare and Daily Life
Scotland’s Quick Bread with Heart
Soda farls, also known as soda scones, are a beloved part of traditional Scottish baking. Their origins lie in the 19th century when bicarbonate of soda became widely available as a leavening agent. Without the need for yeast or long rising times, these “quick breads” became a household staple across Scotland and Ireland—perfect for a fast, hearty meal cooked right on the griddle.
The word farl comes from the Scots word fardel, meaning a fourth part or quarter, because the round of dough was traditionally cut into four triangles before cooking. Unlike Irish soda bread, which is baked in the oven, Scottish soda farls are cooked directly on a hot griddle, giving them a crisp crust and soft, fluffy interior. They were especially popular in croft kitchens and Highland cottages where open-fire cooking was the norm.
Whether served at breakfast with butter and jam, alongside soup, or as part of a fry-up, soda farls remain one of Scotland’s simplest and most comforting recipes—a link to a time when every home relied on the girdle for daily bread.
A Bite of History
Soda farls became popular across Scotland in the 1800s, especially in regions like Ayrshire and the Borders, where buttermilk from dairy farms was plentiful. The combination of buttermilk and bicarbonate of soda created a gentle rise—ideal for homes without ovens. These griddle-baked breads were often cooked alongside oatcakes and tattie scones on the same flat iron plate, forming the backbone of traditional Scottish breakfasts.
Today, you’ll still find soda farls sold in bakeries across Scotland and Northern Ireland, often as part of a traditional Ulster fry or Scottish breakfast. Simple, rustic, and delicious—they’re proof that good food doesn’t need to be fancy to be timeless.
👉 Continue exploring Scotland’s food traditions with our guide on:
- How to Make Scottish Hot Toddy
- How to Make Scotch Pie
- How to Make Traditional Scottish Tablet
- How to Make A Proper Scottish Scone and Classic Variations to Try
- How to Make Traditional Cullen Skink
- How to Make Traditional Scottish Oatcakes
- How to Make Traditional Scottish Shortbread
- How to Make Traditional Tattie Scones
- How to Make Clootie Dumpling
- How to make Scotland’s School Dinner Caramel Tart
👉 Ready to start planning your visit to Scotland? Join our FREE newsletter on Substack for everything Scotland: Subscribe here! 👉 Follow the Love Scotland page on Facebook 👉 Join our community on the Love Scotland Group
👉 Is Moving to Scotland a Good Idea? Read this Comprehensive Guide for information on Visas, Jobs, Housing, Healthcare and Daily Life
Secure Your Dream Scottish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Scotland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions dampen your adventure. Iconic experiences like exploring Edinburgh Castle, cruising along Loch Ness, or wandering through the mystical Isle of Skye often fill up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Scotland's hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
***************************************************
DISCLAIMER Last updated May 29, 2023
WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
The information provided by Love to Visit LLC ('we', 'us', or 'our') on https:/loveotvisitscotland.com (the 'Site') is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
EXTERNAL LINKS DISCLAIMER
The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us.
WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following:
- Viator
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.
