Jam and sponge foundations make up replica Falkland Palace for Cake Fest

Cakemaker Pauleen and daughter Erin prepared for Cake Fest and the BBCs One Show crew on Friday at their home in Glenrothes. Pic credit: George Mcluskie

The palatial replica complete with turrets, brickwork and coats-of-arms was made from a traditional maderia sponge and created by Pauleen Amour-Barclay.

The entry – chosen from a list for Cake Fest, an event organised by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland as part of the Festival of Architecture 2016 – was a last minute decision but one she doesn’t regret.

“I would definitely do it again next year. My husband Dave and daughter, 13-year-old Erin helped lots and it was a great activity to do together as a family. It was tempting to choose somewhere more recognisable but I didn’t want Fife to go unrepresented. I was born, brought up and live here and it is a beautiful part of Scotland.”

Pauleen said that her day job as an organisational development officer for Fife Council stood her in good sted particularly when it came to timings. “There was no big disasters, I am a compulsive organiser and having spent five years making cakes – I know to be kind to myself.”

Despite her baking experience this was the biggest challenge Pauleen had tackled, with an estimated 40 hours going into the construction.

Interruptions were permitted only by a cameracrew from the BBC’s The One Show when Pauleen admitted she “hardly got any decorating done when they came on Friday”.

She and Erin also took around 260 photographs of the palace from every angle and worked from a copy of its plan to pin down the building’s accuracy. “I enjoy all the fiddily bits and I enjoy the challenge of making things look as authentic as possible.”

Some of Scotland’s most recognisable buildings and landmarks were recreated and added to the 100sqm edible map displayed at Cowanes Hospital in Stirling on Sunday 11 with Pauleen’s Palace proudly flying the flag for Fife.

Geri Clark, Falkland Palace property manager urged members of the public to take the opportunity to see the masterpiece at Falkland Farmers Market on Saturday, September 17 in the Lower Town Hall from 10.30am-12.

“It is amazing,” she said. “Right down to the little flowers in the flowerbeds next to the ruins. I don’t know how Pauleen has managed the detail but it is stunning.”

Amidst the fondant architecture were recognisable structures from the Skye Bridge to the Falkirk Wheel.

Cake Fest Scotland is the brainchild of Edinburgh-based Simon Preston. He said: “People are so passionate about the places where they live, grew up, got married and had all these amazing things happen to them.”