Grease a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 200 C (fan).

Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Rub in the butter, then mix to a soft dough with the milk. Knead very lightly on a floured surface until smooth.

Roll or pat the dough out to about 1 cm thick and cut into rounds using a 6 cm cutter. Re-roll trimmings and cut, until all dough is used.

Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with milk or beaten egg, if using.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.

Serve warm or cold.