Variations:

Wholemeal scones: Replace 150g (1 cup) of the self-raising flour with 160g (1 cup) wholemeal self-raising flour and add an extra tbs of milk. Continue as in the basic recipe. Herb scones: Add 2 tbs chopped fresh continental parsley, 2 tbs chopped fresh chives and 4 chopped green shallots to the flour mixture before adding the milk. Continue as in the basic recipe.

Buttermilk brown sugar scones: Replace the caster sugar with brown sugar and replace the milk with buttermilk. Sprinkle the scones with a little extra brown sugar instead of the flour before baking. Continue as in the basic recipe.

Cheddar scones: Leave out the caster sugar. Add 55g (1/2 cup) coarsely grated cheddar and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the flour mixture before adding the milk. Sprinkle the scones with 25g (1/4 cup) extra grated cheddar instead of the flour before baking. Continue as in the basic recipe.

Spiced currant scones: Combine 75g (1/2 cup) currants and 60mls (1/4 cup) water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes. Add 1 1/2 tsp mixed spice to the flour mixture before rubbing in the butter. Add the currants to the flour mixtue before adding the milk. Sprinkle the scones with a little sugar instead of flour before baking. Continue as in the basic recipe.