The Dalai Lama succumbed to the delights of the traditional Scottish delicacy during his last visit to Edinburgh, and now organisers want to ensure that he does not miss out on his favourite dish when he reaches Edinburgh on Nov 18.

The Dundee cake is prepared with a mixture of almonds, raisins, sultanas and orange peel.

Inter-faith leaders organising his visit are aware of his strict regimen but hope that the cake will comprise his usual small post-lunch snack for the rest of the day.

Such is his fondness for the Scottish treat that members of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association who will act as tour guides during the visit have made sure they have plenty in stock.

During his three days in Edinburgh, the Dalai Lama will address public meetings, meet local politicians and take part in a debate on ethics in the new millennium.

Association general secretary Victor Spence said that on his last trip the Dalai Lama had developed a liking for the traditional Scottish cake.

He told the media: "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, 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."

He will be in Edinburgh from Nov 18 to 20 and will leave for Belfast before returning to India.