Sift together the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Mix with the milk to a soft dough.
Knead lightly and flatten into a large round cake. Score a deep cross into the top with a wet knife.
Place on a floured baking tray and bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes at gas mark 7. If you want a slightly softer crust, bake for 40 minutes at gas mark 6 instead.
If neither buttermilk nor sour milk is obtainable, sift 1 heaped teaspoonful of cream of tartar with the flour, rub in 1 oz. of lard or butter, and use fresh milk for mixing.
Recipe Notes
Variation on the recipe: for a touch of the sea, add 1 oz. of dillisk to the flour mix.