Ecclesmachan (Gaelic: Eaglais Mhachain) (Welsh: Eglwys Machan) (NT058736) is an historic village in West Lothian.
The name means 'church of Saint Machan', and its form is thought to show that a church was present in the area in Sub-Roman times.
However, it is not clear whether the name was coined in Gaelic or in the earlier Celtic language Cumbric (Old Welsh).
The graveyard contains several elaborate pre-19th century stone gravestones, with depictions of skulls, angels and other carvings.
[6] The adjacent mid 19th century L-shaped Manse house is intact and has some earlier structural parts.
[1] Smiddy cottage in the village is a former blacksmiths converted into a home by Walter Wood that is Category C listed.
[1][7] The village has a new cemetery which lies in a hollow at the foot of a fairly steep lane opposite the Church.
At least six quarries encircled the village at one time, producing stone of good quality and particularly suited to carving.
[16] The main quarry, was located east of Binny House and employed up to 50 people in the mid 19th century.
[17] Notable natives include the surgeon Robert Liston (whose father was a Minister of the Parish),[1] Jacobite poet William Hamilton and Stephen Mitchell (Tobacco manufacturer and philanthropist).