Scone Spy: Time seems to stand still at cosy Douglas cafe The Scrib Tree

As the old adage says: Time is of the essence. But not today. The hands on the huge clock on the wall seem to be standing still.

I must have been sitting here for at least an hour, staring out of the window and at the huge – and pretty pricey – artworks on the walls.

But I’m so relaxed that the minutes just seem to be melting away.

I’m perched at a table in The Scrib Tree in Douglas, a wee town in the heart of Lanarkshire.

The building looks like a modern barn conversion.

Funny that, because there’s not a farm in sight. Well, not as far as I can see.

However, there’s a distinct farmly feel – if that’s even a thing.

The coffee shop, which opened just a few years ago, always intended to pride itself on using local produce, so almost everything, from the coffee to the cow’s milk used to whiten it, has come from a business nearby.

And you can buy everything from roots and fruits to gin and jams from every corner of Scotland in the shop next door.

I’m surprised to learn the land used to be an old lorry depot until a few years ago when owner John Gold – who, as a youngster, used to work in his grandparent’s newsagent’s across the road – decided to create a cosy café with a difference.

It’s a Tuesday morning and I’m first in the door, but the place quickly fills up.

The breakfast menu is simple…sausage or bacon rolls, toast, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or yoghurt and granola.

I did have my hopes on a full fry-up but perhaps in this line of work it’s best to stick to something a little smaller.

After years of scoffing scones, I’m sure it won’t be long before it starts catching up with my waistline.

I settle on a bacon roll with brown sauce, which hits the spot, washed down with a nice coffee.

Then it’s time for cake. Well, it’s not even 11am, but any time is, of course, the perfect time for a scone in my book.

And today, my accuracy is impeccable – because they are only just out of the oven!

I’m spoiled for choice with both fruit and plain on offer, but settle for a plain.

It arrives, still warm, with a wee cube of butter and jar of strawberry jam on the side.

Soft and fluffy on the inside, with a firm, yet crumbly exterior, it hits the spot.

And it’s just the right size. Not too big, not too small.

The rest of the mouthwatering homebaking, from ginger creams to strawberry tarts, will have to wait until next time.

And, with a smile from the waitress, I’m on my way.

So many scones in so many corners of Scotland to get round. I wonder if I’ll ever have enough time!

The Scrib Tree, 1 Colliers Court, Douglas, Lanark

Welcome

Lovely and friendly. Our waitress was chatty and helpful. 8/10

Location

A little out of the way, but a lovely drive if you fancy it. 8/10

Scones

Straightforward, fruit or plain. The traditional choices are all you need. 8/10