Ecclefechan Tarts Rediscovered

Nov. 16, 2009

Aberlour, Scotland-based Walkers Shortbread, founded in 1898, revives a favorite Scottish treat from days gone by in the form of luscious Ecclefechan Tarts. They are sure to delight a new generation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ecclefechan Tarts once were popular in bakeries throughout Scotland, but the recipe for them had all but disappeared – until now. The style of the tarts is a specialty of the Borders, the southeast region of Scotland that runs from the English border to just south of Edinburgh. Walkers’ new confection has as its namesake the quiet Borders village of Eccelfechan, best known as the birthplace of Victorian essayist and historian Thomas Carlye.

Each of the small, round, deep cups of buttery shortbread pastry is filled to the brim with a rich and moist mixture of juicy sultanas and currants combined with pieces of glacé cherry and chopped almonds, creating a mouth-watering and delicious sensation. Baked in small batches, they contain no artificial flavorings, colorings or additives and are certified kosher.

The cover art on the rectangular 6.3-oz. carton displays the four tarts inside on a silver tray surrounded by fresh cherries and grapes against a background of Walkers’ signature red tartan plaid.

Suggested retail price is $8.99.