86 Old Hall of Ecclefechan. 



which was rebukt. before a Committee of Session, the most of the 

 Session being against it and myself too." These ISTota were 

 by the Minister. It is very difficult in these days to under- 

 stand how " Commissary Goldie " had any power to " Fine " 

 the offenders, and rather singular how he should combine 

 the offices of adjudicator on irregular marriages whilst acting 

 as iuclosure Commissioner, more especially as I believe he 

 was a relative of the parties. I must not omit to say that 

 Helen Irving- (otherwise '• Fair Helen of Kirkconnell Lea ") 

 was a member of this branch of the Irving clan. I am aware 

 that there has been disputes about the name of the fair heroine, 

 but I think that the traditions which have consistently said her 

 name was Irving have been supported by careful investigations 

 over one hundred years ago. These all agree that she was a 

 daughter of Irving, the Laird of Kirkconnell. 



