Ecclefechan

Over the years I have noticed that the place name Ecclefechan triggers a smile on the face of some of my American friends. To assist understanding of this unusual name's origins and the village generally I provide below summary information, viz:

  • The village (pop 880) lies in the valley of the Mein Water (river) just eight miles north of the English border.
  • Located near Lockerbie in the county of Dumfries and Galloway and eighty miles south of Edinburgh.
  • Most famous personage associated with the village is the historian and social refermer, Thomas Carlyle (1785-1881).
  • The name has religious origins beign part Latin ('Eccle' as in ecclesiastical) and part Gaelic with 'Fechan' derived from a 7th century Irish monk, probably of the Celtic Church.
  • Arguably, the most famous product associated with the village is the Ecclelfechan Tart four of which items I purchased this morning.  Information on this delicacy (as sourced from the producer;s (Walkers) website) is provide below.

Ecclefechan Tart

Walker’s Ecclefechan Tarts are baked to a traditional Scottish recipe, and are named after the town of Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway.  These delicious all-butter pastry tarts are filled with the finest ingredients – sultanas, cherries and almonds.

Ingredients: Filling (60%) (sultanas (26%), raw cane sugar, butter (milk) free range egg, currants (10%), almonds (7%), glace cherries (cherries, glucose-fructose syrup, fruit and vegetable concentrate (aronia, carrot) acidity regulator: citric acid), barley malt vinegar), wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), butter (milk) (10%), sugar.

For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May also contain other nuts. Suitable for vegetarians. Store in a cool dry place.

 


 Ecclefechan Tarts

Whilst I have visited the village (in the distant past) I don't currently hold any images. One for my bucket list!

 

 

 

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