Betty Ferrie's Sweet Oatcakes

By Elizabeth AtiaSeptember 8th 2015

Betty Ferrie makes some seriously awesome oatcakes, I'd heard on the grapevine.

For the last few years Betty & Ray Ferrie of Aith, Shetland, have been hosting a BBQ at Michaelswood for the participants of the Shetland Classic Car Show, and of course, Betty's oatcakes were on offer.

I popped along to the shed for a look-see before all the classic car enthusiasts arrived, and had a taste test of these oatcakes I'd heard so much about.

They are absolutely delicious! The perfect ratio of buttery, crumbly and sweet and incredibly moreish! Betty has very kindly shared her recipe with A Taste of Shetland readers, but first, let me take you for a walk around Michaelswood.

Michaelswood is an amenity woodland with scenic walks, educational trails, play areas for children, an open air recreational area and wildlife habitat. It was set up over 15 years ago by Ray, Betty and Alan Ferrie in memory of their son/brother Michael Ferrie. There are over 12,000 trees planted in the area, with more being planted each year. A Philosophers Trail, a bird hide, a willow arch and many decorative garden features make it a pleasurable place to walk through even on grey days.

I am particularly fond of all the flowers.

There is much to explore in Michaelswood, as it spans about 12 acres. A walk through the meandering pathway will take you to the top of the hill where you have magnificent views of the village below.

If you're into such a thing, there might even be a few geocaches hidden around. ;)

But back to the cars! I'm much better at taking photographs of plants and food than I am of cars, I'm afraid, so if you want to see some of the cars that were at the show visit the Shetland Classic Car Club page on Facebook.

Back in the shed Alan was busy attending to the BBQ while folk chatted and ate buttered oatcakes, among other delicious homebakes. Michaelswood is open to visitors from early spring to late Autumn, and there is a donation box by the entrance to help fund the planting of more trees! Do follow them on Facebook.