Parlies are small shortbread biscuits that originated in the 18th century Edinburgh and were first supplied to the gentry and members of the Scottish Parliament from a shop in Waverley, owned by a certain Mrs. Flockhart, who was also known as Luckie Fykie.

Parliament cakes, in their full name, are heavily flavored with ground ginger, while their color comes from the addition of either the tangy black treacle or golden syrup. Originally square-shaped and served with a tot of whiskey, parlies are today more similar to other typical biscuits and are most often paired with tea.