Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C)

In a mixing bowl combine the flour, salt and baking soda. Add the buttermilk and mix to combine with the flour mixture with a spatula.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. It's important not to over work this bread dough. A couple of turns to shape are all that are needed. Dust the bread with flour because the dough will be sticky and shape into a thick round. 

Place the shaped bread round onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Cut a cross shape into the top of the dough.

Place the bread into the oven and bake for 10 minutes then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400°F

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the butter and raisins and use a hand mixture to combine until butter is mixed into the flour. 

Add the buttermilk and one egg to the flour mixture and mix to combine with a hand mixer. The dough will be batter-like, wet and sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. You will need to dust the dough and work until the consistency becomes less sticky and you're able to form into a round loaf shape.

Place the shaped bread round onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Cut a cross shape into the top of the dough.

In a small bowl whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water to use as an egg wash. Brush the egg wash on the top of the bread prior to baking.

Place the bread into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 475°F and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes.