GARETH EDWARDS
HE is famous for leading a life of simple virtue, choosing prayer and piety over earthly indulgences.
But inter-faith leaders preparing for the Dalai Lama’s visit to Edinburgh have revealed he has a sweet tooth when it comes to . . . Dundee Cake.
The 14th incarnation of the Buddha of Compassion, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, discovered the traditional Scottish delicacy, which is made with a mixture of almonds, raisins, sultanas and orange peel, on his last visit to the country.
Such is his fondness for the Scottish treat that members of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association, who will act as tour guides when His Holiness visits the Capital later this month, have made sure they have plenty in stock.
The strict regime of the Dalai Lama, 70, means he has a hearty breakfast followed by a main meal at lunch time, then only a small snack for the rest of the day, leaving plenty of time for prayer and meditation.
And it is believed that while His Holiness is in Scotland, he is hopeful that snack will be a slice of Dundee Cake. He is visiting Edinburgh following a trip to the United States, where he is expected to meet with President Bush in Washington.
During the three-day trip to the Capital, he will address public meetings, meet local politicians, and take part in a debate on ethics in the new millennium.
Victor Spence, general secretary of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association, admitted that on his last trip the Dalai Lama had developed a liking for the traditional Scottish cake.
He said: “He is a big fan of Dundee Cake and we are, of course, making sure there will be some here for his arrival. He also took a liking to shortbread while he was here.
“When I visited him in India earlier this year with Sir Tom Farmer and Charlie Miller, we took some shortbread over with us and he was very grateful.
“He really sees a lot of similarities between Scotland and Tibet, and the people who live in both places, so perhaps that is why he is so fond of our cakes.”
Michael Clapham, a nutrition lecturer at Queen Margaret University College said: “Breaking the fast in the morning is done to restore energy to the body and is considered very healthy – if you have the right breakfast.
“Eating a large meal before going to bed provides energy that is more likely to be laid down as fat.
“So I would say there is certainly something to that in terms of a health benefit, but then I would imagine the Dalai Lama has a lifestyle that is quite conducive to good health.
“As for Dundee Cake, however, it would probably be full of sugar and alcohol, and so not the healthiest option.”
The Dalai Lama will be in the Capital from November 18-20.
