CAMERON’S, the only bakery still based in Selkirk, has received a royal boost which will help spread the word about the town’s most famous food export, writes Andrew Keddie.
The long-established business in High Street has been asked to provide eight of its award-winning Selkirk Bannocks for a special reception at the Trooping of the Colour next Saturday, June 16.
The event, to mark the Queen’s official birthday in this, her diamond jubilee year, will take place in Dover House, official London office of Scottish Secretary and local MP Michael Moore, who will host the reception.
The balcony of the house, built in the mid-18th century, offers spectacular views of Horseguards Parade in Whitehall and is the best vantage point to witness the marching of around 1,400 members from the seven regiments of the Household Division, including the Scots Guards and Coldstream Guards.
“It falls every year on the Scottish Secretary to host a reception of around 100 dignitaries, veterans and their families,” explained Mr Moore. “It is thus an ideal opportunity for me to promote Borders businesses and guests will be able to enjoy the delicious Selkirk Bannocks from Cameron’s, along with other foods from across Scotland.”
Colin Kay of Cameron’s said: “It’s a real shot in the arm for all our staff and our bakers in particular.
“Since we bought the business from Ian Galloway 18 years ago, we have tweaked the basic recipe of sweet bread dough and sultanas to suit customer tastes. Naturally, the exact recipe remains a closely-guarded secret.
“It’s one of our best sellers, delicious with butter or toasted, and we hope it will raise the profile of Selkirk among the VIPs.”
Selkirk baker Robbie Douglas is acknowledged as the inventor of the bannock at his bakery in Market Place in 1859.
In acknowledgement of the prestigious order, Colin is to send complimentary packets of another of Cameron’s popular products – shortbread fingers.