Another possibility: all self-rising flours are not the same. And tho you'd just purchased the bag, did you check the date on it? That bag could have sat a while in the store or warehouse before you brought it home. As well, if it sat on a heat source, that could affect the rising power.
Often, either over-incorporating the butter or overmixing the dough (even just the slightest bit), can result in unrisen scones/biscuits. Another reason could also be that self-raising flour doesn't usually have the leavening power that most scones/biscuits require. You may try to add a bit more baking powder to bolster the rise. Have you made the recipe before?
While I agree stale baking powder (either in self-rising flour or on its own) can cause flatness, another factor is size of pan. If it's too wide or large for your dough, scones will spread rather than rise. A tight fit...even in a cake pan or muffin tin to give the dough something to grab...Will promote expansion upward rather than outward as they bake.
I agree with Stephanie also I think 1/2 " is very thin for scones , you're butter should be very cold as that also helps them to rise and dough not too wet , hope this helps
Based on the recipe you described, I'd check the date on your self-rising flour. Old baking powder loses its potency and "lift"...since this is what gives most self-rising flour the "rise", I suspect it's the culprit. I'd suggest storing self-rising flour in an air tight container to help prevent this in the future.
250g self raising flour
50g wholemeal flour
Pinch of salt
40g margarine or butter (I used unsalted butter)
50g dates chopped
50g walnuts chopped
1 egg
and a little milk
Method
Mix flours and salt together. Rub in butter add dates and walnuts mix in egg and milk to make dough. Roll out half an inch thick cut with round cutter place on greased baking sheet and bake at 220°C gas 7-8 for 10-15 mins until golden brown
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50g wholemeal flour
Pinch of salt
40g margarine or butter (I used unsalted butter)
50g dates chopped
50g walnuts chopped
1 egg
and a little milk
Method
Mix flours and salt together. Rub in butter add dates and walnuts mix in egg and milk to make dough. Roll out half an inch thick cut with round cutter place on greased baking sheet and bake at 220°C gas 7-8 for 10-15 mins until golden brown