Linlithgow Visitor Guide 2021-22

Attractions

Accommodation

Events

FilmLocations

Eat&Drink

Shopping&Services

WalkingTrails

TownMap

LINLITHGOW

Ifyou’rereadytoexploreLinlithgow,you’vepickeduptheright guide!Whetheryou’readie-hardOutlanderfan,lovehistory andwalkingtrails,orjustfancysomeshoppingandabiteto eat,everythingyouneedisrighthere.

Wethinkyou’llagreethatLinlithgowmakesforawonderful day(ornight)out.It’salsotheperfectbaseforacomplete centralSco�shholiday.There’splentyofadventuretobehad inLinlithgow,andwe’reperfectlylocatedtoexploreiconic Sco�sha�rac�onsnearby–allservedbyarailwaysta�onin theheartofthetown.

THISVERSIONOFTHEGUIDEISINTERACTIVE!JUSTCLICKON ANYRELEVANTHEADING,ATTRACTIONORBUSINESSFOR MOREINFORMATIONONLINE.CLICKINGASYMBOL TAKESYOUBACKTOTHEFIRSTPAGE.

IMPORTANTNOTICE: At�meofpublica�on,na�onalregula�onss�llrestrict opera�onofsomea�rac�ons,eventsandbusinesses,duetotheongoing Covid-19/coronaviruspandemic.This mayaffectopening�mes showninthis guide.Pleasecheckdirectlywiththebusiness/operatorbeforevisi�ng.

LinlithgowPalaceandSt.Michael’sKirk

LINLITHGOW’SMAINATTRACTIONS

Linlithgowismostfamousforitsprofoundassocia�onwith Sco�shroyalty.There’sfarmoretothetownthanMary, QueenofScots,butherbirthplaceisagreatplacetostart…

LinlithgowPalace

ThejewelinLinlithgow’scrown,thePalaceisnotonlythebirthplaceofMary, QueenofScots,butJamesV,too.Visitorsflocktothissiteofenormous importancetoSco�shhistoryandthere’snowheremorebeau�fultorelax onasunnydaythanitsgrounds;thePeel.It’sopentovisitorseveryday duringbusinesshours(09:30am–5:30pminsummer,10am–4pminwinter).

PLEASENOTE:ATTIMEOFPUBLICATION,LINLITHGOWPALACEIS TEMPORARILYCLOSEDFORSTRUCTURALINSPECTIONUNTIL11TH SEPTEMBER2021ATTHEEARLIEST. Youcans�llenjoyitfromthePeel!

LinlithgowLochandThePeel

UnwindinnaturewithagentlewalkaroundtheLoch.Fewtowncentresare blessedwithidyllicnatureatsuchclosequarters.Meettheswansandducks, haveaseatatthePeel,takesomephotographs,andyou’llforgetwhatever ailedyou!

LinlithgowPalacefromthePeel

LinlithgowLochandPeel

St.Michael’sParishChurch

OneofScotland’sfinestmedievalchurchesandhomeofLinlithgow’siconic spire.Consecratedin1242,muchofthecurrentbuildingdatesfromthe15th century.Opendailyat10:30am,itclosestovisitorsat4pminsummerand1pm inwinter. TEL:01506842188

TheCross/CrossWell LinlithgowMuseum

TheCross,withitsiconicwell,isthetown’shub:theloca�onofmarkets,public ceremoniesandfes�vals.Enjoyacoffeefromoneofthecafés,orjustfinda placeonabench,andcontemplatetheworldgoingby.

Afontofcivicknowledgeforresidentsandvisitorsalike,thismuseumreally demonstratesLinlithgow’shistory;notonlythroughkings,queensandba�les, butindustry,innova�onandfolkhistory,too.It’snotjustaboutthepast, either.DidyouknowthatStarTrek’s“Sco�y”willbeborninLinlithgowin 2222?AcrosstheHighStreetfromtheCrossWell,themuseumisbasedinthe LinlithgowPartnershipCentre(alsohometothelibrary,policesta�onand counciloffices)andopeneverydayexceptTuesday,10am–4pm(1pm–4pm onSundays). TEL:01506670677

St.Michael’sParishChurch

TheCrossWell-andBurghHallsbehind

Ashortwalkuphill,southoftheHighStreet,bringsyoutotheCanalBasin, wheretheLinlithgowUnionCanalSocietyoperatestheCanalCentrefrom buildingsbuiltfortheopeningoftheCanalin1822.Hereyouwillfindarange ofboattrips—sometotheFalkirkWheel—aself-drivecanalboat,electric dinghies,crewedcharters(foraspecialoccasion,orjustarelaxingcruisewith yourowngroup),aswellasScotland’sonlyCanalMuseum&TeaRoom.Open Sat/Suna�ernoonsfromEasterun�lSeptemberandweekdaysthroughout JulyandmostofAugust. TEL:01506671215

Linlithgow’sGolfCourses

Linlithgow’sgolfcourseshostawidevarietyofevents,manyofwhichareopen tothepublic.From KingsfieldLeisure’sfabulousnine-holecourseandFamily Pu�ngGreento LinlithgowGolfClub’s5,851ydcourse,and WestLothianGolf Club,Linlithgow’sgolfcourseshavesomethingforeverybody.Alloffergreat valuepackagesandawarmwelcome.

BeecraigsCountryParkandCockleroy

NestledintheBathgateHills,Beecraigscatersformanyleisureac�vi�eswithin itsvastgrounds.There’svisitorinforma�on,guidesandgi�s,andit’shometo theaward-winning(andcarbon-neutral) HideawayCafé TEL:01506284516

AdjacenttoBeecraigsCountryParkisaprominenthillnamedCockleroy.Ona clearday,youcanseethePerthshiremountains,theIsleofArran,North BerwickLaw,andtheOchilsfromits278msummit.Wellworththeshort,steep walkfromtheBeecraigsCountryParkcarparkonaniceday.

OTHERATTRACTIONSINTHEAREA

We’dloveyoutospendyourwholetripwithusinLinlithgow, buttherearesomespectaculara�rac�onsinthewiderarea… formoreinforma�onaboutWestLothian,justclick/tapthe headingonthispage.

TheForthBridges

TheForthBridge,aWorldHeritageSite,whichcarriestherailwaynorthof Edinburgh,isamust-visit.ThevistafromthehistorictownofSouth QueensferrytakesinthethreemajorbridgesspanningtheForthEstuary:the ForthBridge(1890),theForthRoadBridge(1964),andtheQueensferry Crossing(2017).

TheKelpiesandHelixPark

InFalkirk,afewmilestothewestofLinlithgow,wheretheForth&ClydeCanal enterstheRiverCarron,isHelixParkandtheKelpies:theworld’slargest equinesculptures.Acafé,children’sadventurezone,andguidedtoursmakeit agreatfamilyvisit.

TheForthBridge

OneofthemostsplendidexamplesofGeorgianarchitectureinBritain.Five milesfromLinlithgow,HopetounHouseissetin150acresofrollingparkland. ThehouseandgroundsareopendailyfromEastertotheendofSeptember.

BlacknessCastle

ThiscastlefortressbytheseawasbuiltbyoneofScotland’smostpowerful families,theCrichtons.BlacknesswastheseaportforLinlithgowinthedaysof theStewartKings.Openallyearround(10am–4pminwinter,9:30am–5:30pminsummer).

Bo’nessandKinneilSteamRailway

Experiencethepowerofsteam,ridinginahistoriccarriage,hauledbya lovinglyrestoredsteamlocomo�ve.YoucanalsovisittheMuseumofSco�sh Railways,withover200locomo�ves,carriagesandwagons,orenjoyamealor asnackinthesta�oncoffeeshop.OpenonscheduledrunningdaysfromApril toOctober. TEL:01506822298

HouseoftheBinns

TheHouseoftheBinnsisthefamilyhomeoftheDalyells,whohavelivedthere since1612.ItisaNa�onalTrustforScotlandpropertyandwellworthavisit. Thegroundsareopenallyearround(gatesshutat7:30pm)andthehouseis openfrom2pm–5pmfromJune–September. TEL:01506834255

JohnMuirWay

LinlithgowisagreatplacetoaccesstheJohnMuirWay;along-distance walkingandcyclingrouteacrossScotland’sheartland,fromHelensburghto Dunbar,whichwasMuir’sbirthplace.JohnMuirisrecognisedasthefatherof na�onalparksintheUnitedStates.BorninScotland,hisfamilyemigratedto theUSAin1849,whenhewas11yearsold.

TheFalkirkWheel

TheFalkirkWheel,theworld’sonlyrota�ngboatli�andaniconicexampleof modernBri�shengineering,linkstheUnionCanaltotheForthandClyde Canal.Boatrides,visitorcentre,caféandshops. TEL:08700500208

TheFalkirkWheel

FILMLOCATIONS

From Outlander to OutlawKing,Linlithgowhassomethingfor fansofthebigandsmallscreenalike.Filmedextensivelyinand aroundthearea,includingscenessetinAmerica,Linlithgowis theperfecthubtoexplore Outlanderloca�ons.Fora comprehensivelist,youcanpickupapapercopyatmostsites, orheadstraightoverto VisitScotland’sinterac�veguideto filmingloca�onsacrossScotland

Within30minutesfromLinlithgow,youcanreach:

LinlithgowPalace: theentranceandcorridorswereusedas WentworthPrison,whereClairecomestopleadwiththe GovernortoreleaseJamie.

Linlithgowwasalsousedextensivelyinfilmingof TheOutlaw King,theNe�lixfilmaboutRoberttheBruce.The Palace was usedasPerthCastleandoutside,overlookingtheLoch,forthe crowningofKingRobert. St.Michael’sChurch wasusedinthe weddingsceneandforthefuneralofRobert’sfather.

BlacknessCastle wasusedinkeyOutlanderscenesasthe headquartersof“BlackJack”Randall.It’sherethatJamieis floggedandthatherescuesClairebyjumpingfromthe ba�lements.It’salsofeaturedin OutlawKing andasHolyrood PalaceinNe�lix’s Mary,QueenofScots.

MidhopeCastle

Ashort15-minutedrivefromLinlithgowliesthemosticonicof allOutlanderloca�ons: MidhopeCastle,Outlander’s “Lallybroch”:theFraserfamilyhome,featuringinallseasons. HopetounHouse hashostedseveralOutlanderscenes.Inthe firstseries,it’sthe DukeofSandringham’shome,these�ng forvariousFrenchscenes,thenlater(inthethirdseries)the stablesatHelwater andthefrontvistaisthe Earlof Ellesmere’shome.Morerecently,ithasbeenusedforseveral periodpieces,including2020TVdrama“Belgravia”and featurefilm“Mr.Jones”.

Bo’nessandKinneilRailway isafavouritechoiceformany periodfilms.In Outlander,it’stherailwaysta�onwhereClaire andFrankbideachotherfarewellinthe1940s.

BeecraigsCountryPark,aswellasplayinghosttoaninfamous scenein T2:Trainspo�ng,iso�enusedinoutdoor Outlander scenes,includingwhenthecharactersse�leinAmerica. MuiravonsideCountryPark wasusedforba�lescenesinboth Outlander (Ba�leofPrestonpans)and OutlawKing.Falkirk’s CallendarHouse playedhosttooneof Outlander’sgrislier scenes:theDukeofSandringhamlosinghishead!More peacefully,thecharmandheritageofthe UnionCanal regularlyfeatureincurrent-affairsTVdocumentariesand travelogues.

“FilmOnForth.co.uk”isagreatresourceforexploringfilm loca�onsinthearea,whileLinlithgow’sown Mary’sMeanders (07818687066)offerawidevarietyofhistoricalandOutlander tours. LilypondCra�s&Gi�s isLinlithgow’sofficialOutlander merchandiseoutlet.

There’sneveradullmomentinLinlithgow!Eveniftheseevents aren’thappeningwhileyou’rehere,youcanalways check what’sonat mylinlithgow.com.There’slivemusic,sports, ac�vi�esandmuchmore,allyearround.

Pleasenotethatsomeeventsmaybecancelledorrescheduledduetothe coronaviruspandemic.Ifyou’replanningyourtriparoundanyoftheseevents, pleasecheckwiththeorganiserbeforebookingtravel/accommoda�on.

PartyatthePalace

CANCELLED2021(DUETOCOVID) /August2022

Theactsdon’tcomemuchbiggerthanatPartyatthePalace:previousyears haveseenactslikeChic,TheCharlatansandKTTunstallgracethestage. Purchase�cketsinadvancetoavoiddisappointment.It’sfamily-friendlyand,if you’recomingfromfurtherafield,whynotmakealongweekendofvisi�ngthe town?Detailsofwheretostayareinthisguide! partya�hepalace.co.uk

ClassicCarDay

Sunday29August2021(TBC),TheVennelandTheCross

FromAus�nHealeystoAstonMar�ns,MinistoMaxis;LinlithgowClassicCar Dayhassomethingforallpetrol-heads!TheClassicCarsocietymeetsonthe lastSundayofeverymonthattheCross,butifyoureallywanttoseethefull rangeofclassiccars,theannualClassicCarDayistheonenottomiss!

PartyatthePalace

AnAus�nSixatLinlithgowClassicCarDay

Wednesday8-Sunday12September2021(TBC)

Linlithgowenjoysclassicalandcontemporaryliveperformancesallyearround, fromin�mategigsinsmallvenuestolarge-scaleconcertsinthelargervenues andsportsclubs.Folkmusic,though,requiresanin�matese�ngtogetthe bloodflowing,sothesefantas�cgigstakeplaceinthetown’spubsthroughout theweek.Amustforresidentsandvisitorsalike. linlithgowfolk.com

DoorsOpenDays

Saturday11-Sunday12September2021

DoorsOpenDaysisScotland’slargestfreeculturalfes�valand,celebra�ngthe builtenvironmentandgivingfreeaccesstoaround1,000venuesacrossthe countrythroughoutSeptember,everyyear.CoordinatedbytheSco�shCivic TrustwithsupportfromHistoricEnvironmentScotland.LinlithgowCivicTrust coordinatesDoorsOpenDaysinWestLothian.Eachyearavariedprogramme ofvenuesandothereventsispulledtogetherinandaroundLinlithgow.

FireworksNight

EarlyNovember2021(TBC),LinlithgowRugbyClub

Wonderfulcommunityfireworksdisplay,withallproceedsreinvestedinyouth andcommunitysports.Theclubhouseandbarareopen,withfoodanddrink available.Displayusuallybeginsat7:30pm.

ChristmasShoppingDay

Thursday25November2021/Thursday24November2022

Buildingastrongreputa�onforfes�vecheerandtakingthestressoutof Christmasshopping,ChristmasShoppingDayevolvedfroma“late-opening” eveningtoafulldayofmerriment,mulledwine,mincepiesandmusic.Shops areopenun�l8pm,withmanystayingopenbeyondtocopewithdemand.

AdventFayre

Saturday27November2021/Saturday26November2022

ThejewelinthecrownofLinlithgow’sfes�vecalendar.Afulldayofparades, processionsandmusicsignalsthetrulymagicaltorchlightprocessionalongthe HighStreetandtheswitch-onoftheChristmaslights.Thelightsareexpanded everyyear,soeachswitch-onismorespectacularthanthelast!There’sno escapingthatfes�vefeelingonAdventFayreday!

BeecraigsFes�veForest

Friday3-Friday24December2021/TBC2022

Backfor2021, BeecraigsFes�veForest isevenbigger,brighter,longerand morespectacular!WithoneoftheUK’smostpowerfullasershowsand stunningligh�ngeffects,thisatmosphericandmagicaleventisaperfectfamily experience!SetdeepwithinthewoodsofBeecraigsCountryPark,thereare panoramicviewsovertheForthbridges,Edinburgh,theLothians,andFife.

Perambula�onofLinlithgow’sMarches

Wednesday8June2022

OntheWednesdayeveningbeforeMarchesDay,Linlithgow’stownsfolkcome outinforcetocelebratethePerambula�onoftheMarches:afour-milecircuit roundLinlithgow's1832Parliamentaryboundary.It’sheadedbytheProvostof Deacons'Court,flagbearers,halberdiersandthetownpiper,whoplaysateach ofthemarchstonesontheway.Star�ngoutsideSt.Ninian'sChurchatWest Port,therearemanypointsofinterestalongtheway.Afreeleafletisavailable fromvenuesthroughoutthetown,butthewalkcanbeenjoyedatany�me.

MarchesDay

Tuesday14June2022

Forover400years,MarchesDayhasbeenthemostimportantdateinthe Linlithgowcalendar.Residentsdelightinbeingawokenbyflutesanddrumsat 5am,signallingadayofmerrimentforall!A�eramorning’sfraternisa�onand refreshment,thehubbubaroundthePalaceandCrossbeginstobrew.At11am sharp,theBurghHallsbellini�atesthespectacularparade(recreatedmore raucouslyat5pm).Bythis�me,thewholetownanditsvisitorsareoutinforce. Fortherestoftheday,they’llrevelinthetown’scafés,restaurantsandpubs, inaunionofaproudcommunitynoto�enseeninthemodernday!

Since1930,Children’sGalaDayhasbeenheldontheSaturdaya�erMarches Day.TheenormousprocessionweavesfromLinlithgowBridgedowntothe Peel,inthehistoricgroundsof LinlithgowPalace.Everylocalschooland communitygroupgetsinvolved,paradingontheirmagnificentfloats,before theGalaQueeniscrownedatthePeel,whereawidevarietyofchildren’s entertainmentandstallscreateapartyatmosphereforallages.

CivicFes�val

WeekofMarchesDay2022,LinlithgowRugbyClub

Hostsavarietyofexci�ngeventsfromMarchesdayrightthroughtothe followingweekend,concerts,readings,communitygroupevents,dinnersand dances.Eventsarealwaysbeingaddedrightuptotheevent,socheckthe “LinlithgowCivicFes�val”Facebookpagefordetails.

SpectacularJous�ng

June2022(TBC,seewebsite),ThePeel

Theextremesportofmedievaldays;whowilltriumphinthisbrutalba�leof fearlessknightsandtheirtrustysteeds?Ifthunderinghoovesandthethrillof impalementareyourcupoftea,youcanpickup�cketsontheday(or,ifyou’re amemberofHistoricEnvironmentScotland,no�cketrequired).Perhaps surprisingly,thiseventissuitableforthewholefamily!

CanalFunDay

Sunday14August2022,LinlithgowCanalCentre

AnotherfavouritedateintheLinlithgowcalendar,whichmightjustraisemore smilesthananyother.Fromduckstocardboardboats,itallgetsraced,andyou canguaranteesomebody’sgoingtogetwet!Stalls,shows,face-pain�ng, music,younameit…ifit’sfun,it’sthere! lucs.org.uk/funday

ScotchHop

Wednesdays13July-10August2022,LinlithgowPalace

Youcan’tgetmuchclosertoourculturalhistorythandancingtotradi�onal Sco�shmusicrightintheveryspotwhereMary,QueenofScotswasborn.You don’tneedtoknowthedances,justbringyoursenseoffun!Ticketsavailable onthedoor(startsat7:30pm).

ScotchHopatLinlithgowPalace

CanalFunDayatLinlithgowCanalCentre

WHERETOSTAY,EAT,DRINKANDENJOY

S/C=Self-catering,CP=Caravanpark

TheCourtResidence

WilliamscraigHolidayCo�ages

Whetheryou’rea�eraquickbiteonthego,aneveningoffine dining,orafewofthefinestbeersandwhiskiesScotlandhas tooffer,you’reneverfarfromanaward-winningrestaurant, café,puborbarinLinlithgow.

Cheeseandwinetas�ngatDuVinBouchers

Cafébar1807

Ac�vi�es

Fishing,golf,swimming,so�-play,po�ery,canalboatrides…or justawalkinthecountryparkonasunnyday.

MR=MillRoadIndustrialEstate(LinlithgowBridge)

FunatPlayBugs

FurtherInforma�on

Linlithgowisluckytohaveawidevarietyofcommunitygroups, allhelpingtopromotethetown,organiseevents,welcome visitorsandmuchmore.

Ifyou’replanningavisittoLinlithgow,youcanspeaktoareal person,whowilldotheirbesttoassistyouinmakingsureyour tripgoessmoothly.Atfirstinstance,youcanvisit onelinlithgow.com andusethe contactform toaskaques�on orrequestinforma�on.Alterna�vely,youcanemail hello@mylinlithgow.com.Bothteamswouldbeverygladto help!

From2022, Linlithgow’sCommunityCouncil willbeopera�ng aphysicalVisitorInforma�onCentrefromthe BurghHalls, rightinthecentreoftown,nextto LinlithgowPalace.Un�l then,staffatthe CourtResidence aparthotelaremorethan happytohelp,andtosupplyleafletsrelevanttoyou.

Linlithgow’sofficialwebsiteis mylinlithgow.com.It’supdated regularlywithevents,aswellascommunityandbusiness informa�on,facili�es,travelinforma�on,usefullinks,and evenwebcams,soevena�eryourvisitisover,youcankeep tabsonwhat’sgoingonintown.

Ifthemaponthispageistoosmalltoseeproperlyonyour device,just clickortaphere forafull-sizeimage(7.7MB), whichyoucansaveandview/zoomhoweveryouprefer.

Ifyou’refollowingawalkingtrail,it’saneasywaytofollowthe landmarks,withouthavingtohavethefullguideopenandon thecorrectpage!Alterna�vely,youcanpickupahardcopyof thisguidefromlotsofplacesallovertown,including:

BurghHalls(TheCross)

CourtResidence(CourtSquare,HighStreet)

LinlithgowPalace(see“A�rac�ons”)

LinlithgowTownCentreHub(28TheVennel)

LinlithgowPartnershipCentre(93HighStreet)

LilypondCra�s&Gi�s(25HighStreet)

WalkingTrails

ThereareseveralexcellentwalkingtrailsinLinlithgow,which willintroduceyoutothetownandmanyofitsinteres�ng places.Noneofthemarepar�cularlylongorstrenuous,and youcannowevenlearnaboutLinlithgowon-the-gowith Visit WestLothian’sfantas�caudiotrails.

Whetheryou’relookingforheritage,history,floral installa�ons,orafewrefreshments,there’satrailforyou:

OneofLinlithgow’smanyfloraldisplays

LinlithgowHeritageTrail

Forthoseinterestedinthehistoryandarchitectureofthe RoyalBurghofLinlithgow,wehavedevisedtheHeritageTrail, whichwilltakeyouroundthemainfeaturesandbuildingsin thetowncentre.Therouteisshownonthecentrefoldtown map.

ItstartsatTheCrossintheverycentreofthetownandcanbe splitintoeasysec�ons,ifdesired.Mostloca�onsareindicated byacircularplaque,shownbelow;aninterpreta�onof Linlithgow’s“St.Michael”coatofarmsbyar�stTimChalk.The trailshouldbefollowedinnumericalorder.Thereare informa�onpanelsgivingmoredetailsatvariouspointsalong theroute.

1:TheCross. OneofthefinestcivicspacesinScotlandandthefocalpoint fortheMarchescelebra�ons.TheCrossWellisareplicaofa1535wellandwas madein1807byaone-handedstonemason.Itwasrefurbishedin2016.

2:CarvedPediment. Lookingwestuptheslope,youwillseeanoldstone, dated1675,setintotheendofthebuildingonthele�.Thiscamefromthe GoldenCrossTavernwhichoncestoodnearby.

3:CrossHouse. Theolderwhitebuildingatthenorth-westcornerofThe Crossdatesfrom1700.Itcontainsafinemid-18th-centuryplasterceilingand nowformsasuiteofchurchmee�ngrooms.

4:TownHouseorBurghHalls. Totheright,theimposingstructurewith clock-towerandfore-stairswasonceLinlithgow’smunicipalbuilding.Replacing anearlierTolboothdemolishedin1650byOliverCromwell,itwasbuiltin 1668-70byJohnSmith,basedondesignsbyJohnMylne,MasterMasonto CharlesIandCharlesII.Conversionintoahigh-qualitycommunityartsfacility wascompletedin2011.

Proceedupthenarrowstreet,theKirkgate,betweenCrossHouseandthe BurghHalls.Ontheright,gothroughthearchwayunderthebackofthe BurghHalls,and,aheadyouwillsee…

5:The“GreenMan”. A1911bronzestatueofJohnHope,Australia’sfirst GovernorGeneral.HebecamethefirstMarquessofLinlithgowin1902.

Con�nueuptheKirkgatetowardsthePalaceGatehouse-notetheplaques recordingtheroyallineofsuccession.

6:PalaceGatehouse. Da�ngfromcirca1535,thegatewayfeaturesfour carvedandpaintedpanelsrepresen�ngtheordersofknighthoodborneby JamesV–theGoldenFleece,StMichael,theGarterandtheThistle.

7:StMichael’sParishChurch. Justinsidethegateontherightisoneof Britain’sfinestparishchurches.A�erconsecra�onin1242,itsufferedafirein 1424andwasrebuiltshortlya�erwardsinmuchitspresentform.In1821,the towerlostits15th-centurystonecrown–replacedin1964bytoday’sstriking aluminiumspire.Notableinteriorfeaturesincludethepulpit,stainedglassand theburghwarmemorial.See“a�rac�ons”sec�on.

8:LinlithgowPalace. Aroyalmanorhousewasfirstestablishedherein the12th century.Thepresentsquarebuildingwasstartedin1424forKing JamesI.JamesVwasbornherein1512,andMary,QueenofScotsin1542.The Sco�shParliamentmetintheGreatHall,mostrecentlyin1646.ThePalace wasfor�fiedandoccupiedduring1650–59byOliverCromwell,wasgu�edby firein1746a�eroccupa�onbytheDukeofCumberland’ssoldiers,andhas remainedrooflesseversince.See“maina�rac�ons”.

9:ThePeel. Theopenparklandaroundthepalace,knownasThePeel,is oneofonlytwoRoyalParksinScotland,theotherbeingHolyroodParkin Edinburgh.Theslopedowntothelochonthele�ofthePalacewasonce occupiedbyorchardsandbeehives,whileelsewherearcherywasprac�sed.A newstatueofMary,QueenofScotsbyDavidAnnandwasunveiledin2015, andstandsneartothePalace.

St.Michael’sinthesnow

StatueofMary,QueenofScotsatLinlithgowPalace

Passthele�sideofthePalacetoviewLinlithgowLoch.

10:LinlithgowLoch. Si�nginthepre-glacialvalleyoftheRiverAvon,it hasbeenusedforcurlingandbleaching.Todayitcatersforfishing,sailingand birdwatching.AcrossthelochisAirngathHill,featuringGrange(a1909 mansion)andamonumenttoAdrianHope,killedintheIndianMu�ny.

ReturntoTheCross.Turnle�toseethebuildingsacrosstheHighStreet.

11:FireMark/Plaque. Betweenthefirstandsecondstoreywindowsof 79HighStreetisanearly-1800s“firemark”,whichindicatedthatthebuilding wasinsuredbytheSunFireOffice.

12: FourMarys andWaldieTablet. Headingeast,abovetheFour MaryspubacrosstheHighStreet,isaplaquecommemora�ngDr.David Waldie,apioneerwithJamesYoungSimpsoninmedicaluseofchloroform.

13:CornwallCoatofArms. Abovethebackofthependbetween59-61 HighStreet,isaninscribedstonefromanearlierbuilding,featuringthe Cornwallcoatofarms,withthedate1527.

14:BankBuilding. Yetfurtheralong,theturretedbuildingwas constructedin1859fortheCommercialBankofScotland.Itfeaturesveryfine ornamentalrailingsinfrontandwasabranchoftheRoyalBankofScotland un�litclosedin2018.

15:Hamilton’sLand. Furtheralongonthele�,theserubble-built16thcenturybuildings,withtheircrow-steppedgables,areapicturesquesurvivalof oldLinlithgowthatwasrestoredbyTheNa�onalTrustin1958.

16:OldPostOffice. Ontheright,thetown’sformerPostOfficeof1903,in ScotsRenaissancestyle,wasconvertedintoapubin2009.

17:StMichael’sWell. AlsoacrosstheHighStreetisthewellheadofSt Michael’sWell,withaninscribedstonedated1720,awingedSt.Michael,and thetown’s‘BlackBitch’coat-of-arms.Restoredin2010.

HighStreet,withSt.Michael’sWellandHamilton’sLand

18:StMichael’sHotelandTheMint. Thelate19th centurytenement behindthewell,onceahotel,replacedasuperbmedievaltownhouse popularlyknownas“TheMint”.

19:Star&GarterHotel. Prominentinblackandwhiteattheendofthe HighStreet,itwasbuiltin1760asaresidence.Formanyyears,thehotelwas thebasefortheLinlithgowandS�rlingshireHunt.Gu�edbyfirein2010,ithas sincebeenrestored.

20:HighandLowPorts. Markedontheroadwayacrosstheroundabout aretheoutlinesofLinlithgow’seasterntowngates.

21:RegentCentreandRegentWorks. Themodernbuildingsfacing theroundaboutreplacedtheRegentWorksof1902,anItalianatefactoryonce operatedbyNobelExplosives.

22:LowPortPrimarySchool. Beyondthejunc�ononthele�isthe formerLinlithgowAcademybuilding,nowLowPortPrimarySchool.Round towersabovetheentrancesareprominentfeaturesofthis1902building.

23:St.MichaelSculpture. Inthecentreofthegardensatthefrontof theschoolentrance,2020sawtheinstalla�onofastatueofSt.Michaelby sculptorAlanHerriot.ThisportraysoneofLinlithgow’stwotowninsignia,the otherbeingthe‘BlackBitch’,asculptureofwhichwillbeseenlaterinthe HeritageTrail.

Anop�onaldiversionistocon�nuefurtheraheadtosee…

24:StMichael’sRCChurch. Gothicrevivalbuildings,da�ngfrom1887 anddesignedbyrenownedchurcharchitects,PuginandPugin.

CrosstotheStar&GarterHotel,proceedfirstle�uptothesta�on.Enterthe sta�onandcon�nuethroughthesubwaytothesouthpla�orm.

25:LinlithgowRailwaySta�on. Da�ngfrom1842,thisisoneofthe best-preservedoriginalsta�onsoftheEdinburghandGlasgowRailway,which waselectrifiedin2017.Theeastboundwai�ngroomfeaturesalargemuralof thetown’sannualMarchesprocessionbyMary-LouiseCoulouris.

26:StMagdalene’sDis�llery. Fromthefar(east)endofthepla�orm, youcanseethedis�llerybuildingswhereproduc�onofsinglemaltwhiskyran from1753un�l1983,nowconvertedintoflats.

Leavethepla�ormandexitthroughthecarparktoBackSta�onRoad.Turn rightandcon�nueupthehilltothecanalbridge…

27:UnionCanal. HereistheLinlithgowbasinoftheUnionCanal,opened inMay1822.Hereyou’llfinda rangeofBoatTrips —sometotheFalkirkWheel —aself-drivecanalboat,electricdinghies,andcrewedchartersforspecial occasions,aswellasScotland’sonlyCanalMuseum,aTeaRoom.OpenSat/Sun a�ernoonsEastertoendSeptember,andweekdaysJulyandmostofAugust.

24

28: RossDoocot and Dudley. Ontheopposite sideofthecanalbasinaretheLearmonthGardens and16th centuryRossDoocot,containing370nest boxes.Nexttothecanalbasinis“Dudley”,abronze catsculpturebyDavidAnnandmountedonagranite plinth–Linlithgow’sfelineversionofGreyfriars BobbyinEdinburgh,unveiledin2018.

30:RosemountParkandFriars’Well. AcrossthecanalisRosemount Park,oneofLinlithgow’shiddengems.Itcontainsthefountainheadofthe CrossWell,whichhadpreviouslyservedtheCarmeliteFriarylocatedfurther upthehill.

Co�ageSchool. Thestone co�ageontheoppositebank, da�ngfrom1826,once accommodatedagirls-only schoolwithfeesoftwopence perweek.

Justbeforethebridgeoverthe canal,turnrightdownhill.

31:MrsDouglas’

29:TownWall. Thehighwallontheright-hand sideofStrawberryBankgoingdownthehillispartof the17th centurytownwall.

FromtheCanalBasin,takethecanaltowpathwestwards.

LinlithgowCanalCentre

DudleytheCat

JohnSlezer’s1961drawingshowstheTownWallclearly

32:FormerEbenezerChapel. Thegable-endplaqueoftheco�ageon therightrecallsitsuseasanEvangelicalUnionmee�nghousefrom1852.

Turnle�ontoRoyalTerrace.

33:RoyalTerrace. Ana�rac�vecomposi�onof19th-centurystonehouses. Noteinpar�cularNo.6withitscentralox-eyewindow.

Crosstherailwaybythefootbridge.

34:LionWellWynd. Thereisanexcellentviewoverthehighwalldown LionWellWynd,Linlithgow’ssteepest,openedcirca1750.

LionWellWynd

Turnle�ontoUnionRoad

35:StJohn’sEvangelicalChurch. Thechurchontherightwas completedin1840asacongrega�onalchapel,cos�ngaround£750.

36:Prefabs. Facingtherailwayembankmentfurtheralongaretheprefabs ofHamiltonPark,temporaryhousesbuilta�erWorldWarIIandlater cunninglydisguisedasbungalowsbytheTownCouncil!

TurnrightatPrestonRoadandwalktotheHighStreet.Looktothele�before turningrightagaintowardsthestar�ngpoint.

37:WestPort. TheRoyalBurgh’swesterngatewaywasremovedaround 1800.Hostelrieswereestablishedherefortravellersshutoutforthenight. NoteKa�eWearie’sTree(thebigwillow),thebronzeKa�eWeariesundial sculpturecreatedbyTimChalkin2011andthevernacular-inspired1937 tenementonthecorneroftheHighStreet.

38:StNinian’sCraigmailenParishChurch. Inthebackground, westwardsonFalkirkRoad,isitselegantbroachspire,da�ngfrom1874.

39:WestPortHouse. Aheadontheright,youwillseeWestPortHouse abovearetainingwallcreatedwhentheroadwasloweredtwocenturiesago. Alaird’shouseda�ngfrom1600,itwasbuiltbytheHamiltonfamily.

40:NewWell. Furtheralong,atastreetcorner,thestonestructureonthe pavementistheNewWell,an18th-centuryexampleofthewellheadsthatonce gracedtheHighStreet.

41:FormerBairdHall. Alower,set-backbuildingonthele�,da�ngfrom 1863,hasvariouslyservedasaCatholicchurch,aCatholicschool,andasthe churchhallforStMichael’sParishChurch.

42:StPeter’sEpiscopalChurch. DesignedbyDick,PeddieandToddinByzan�ne style,thisarchitecturalgemof1928issetback behindthetenementfacadesontheright.

43:“BlackBitch”Sculpture. Opposite thechurchisthesecond‘civicinsignia’ sculptureontheHeritageTrail.This representa�oninbronzeofLinlithgow’s tradi�onal‘BlackBitch’wassculptedbyDavid AnnandandunveiledinJanuary2020.

44:AnnetHouse. Ontherightisathreestorey18th centurymerchant’shouse,now beingconvertedbackintoaprivateresidence. Un�l2017,ithousedLinlithgow’stown museum(nowitem49).

45:TheVennel. Thecontroversial1967redevelopmentonthele� (designedbyRowandAndersonKininmonthandPaul)wasoneoftheworst lossesofhistorictownscapeinScotland.

ReturntoTheCrossalongthesouthsideoftheHighStreet.

Ka�eWeariesculptureatWestPort,byTimChalk

St.Peter’s EpiscopalChurch

46:Shoemakers’Land. OppositetheVennelflatsisShoemakers’Land, bearinganarmorialplaquereflec�ngformerownershipbytheShoemakers’ Guildandavanishedlocalindustry.InScotland,Linlithgow’sleatherindustry wasoncesecondonlytothatofPerth.

47:DogWellWynd. Nameda�erthe formerDogWell,whichwassuppliedfrom thenow-culvertedCrossBurn.Upthewynd ontheright,thescouthallwasonce McAlpine’sshoefactoryandthe“Spires” housesfurtherupoccupythesiteofthe LinlithgowWestUnitedPresbyterian Church.

48:CourtResidence. Furtheralongis theformerSheriffCourthouseof1863,built inTudorstyleandrecentlyconvertedto visitoraccommoda�on.Onitsfrontisa bronzereliefcommemora�ngthe

assassina�onofRegentMorayinthevicinityin1570,theworld’sfirstrecorded assassina�onofaheadofstatebyfirearm.

49:LinlithgowPartnershipCentre/TamDalyellHouse. Thisimpressiveneo-Georgianbuilding,formerlytheWestLothianCounty Buildings,wasopenedin1939.See“maina�rac�ons:LinlithgowMuseum”. NotetheformerLinlithgowprovost’slampatthefront.

ThiscompletestheTrailandreturnsyoutothestar�ngpointatTheCross.

Linlithgow’s“BlackBitch”sculptureattheVennel

EarlofMorayplaque

Tohelpexplorethesightsandhistoryofthetown,aseriesof podcastsandinterac�veaudiotrailsarenowavailableonthe VisitWestLothianwebsite.

ThesethreepodcastscoverHistory&Heritage,Linlithgow’sFilm&TVfame,as wellasalookatthea�rac�onsandfoodanddrinkavailableinthetown.

Inaddi�ontothese,a“virtualtourguide”helpsyounavigatethetown.To start,navigatetothededicatedsec�ononthewebsite,pickatrailyou’re interestedinandpressStart.You’llreceivedirec�onstoeacha�rac�on,and onceyou’vearrivedsimplypressplaywhereyou’llheararangeofinforma�on coveringthehistoryaswellassomefunfacts.Atranscriptofthecontenton thesiteisalsoavailableforeachsec�ontooifyouwouldprefer.

LinlithgowI�neraries

Notyetliveat�meofgoingtopress,butwillincludeaudiotrailsexplainingthe historyandheritageofLinlithgow.IfyouhaveGPSloca�onenabledonyour device,thesitewillshowyouthetrailclosesttoyou.

ThingsToDoinLinlithgow

Showcasesmanyofthea�rac�onsinthisguide,withlinksandfurther informa�on.

Linlithgowwonthe“town”categoryinthe2018BritainInBloomUKFinals. TheFloralTrailsbooklet,publishedseparatelyby BurghBeau�fulLinlithgow, describeswalkinganddrivingroutestoviewthebestofthetown’sfloral displays.Oneisanumberedwalkingroutearoundthetowncentre.Theother twoarele�eredroutessuitablefordrivingorwalking,whichshowthemain floralfeatureselsewhereinthetown.Thetown’spublicfloraldisplaysare en�relytheworkofBurghBeau�ful’svolunteersandpartners,andare financedbythetown’sresidents,groups,organisa�onsandbusinesses.

LinlithgowTrail/“AleTrail”

Scotlandisfamousforitspubs(anabbrevia�onfor“public houses”)andLinlithgowhasmanyfinehostelries.Whynot takethe“LinlithgowAleTrail”andexploresomeofLinlithgow’s pubs?ArefreshingwaytoseetheRoyalBurgh!

TheTrailisbasedonthelocalPubwatchandconsistsofeightpubs.Theiraim is“topromoteasafedrinkingexperience,whileyoualsoenjoyeverythingthe HighStreethastooffer”.SincetheTrailstartedinDecember2014-un�l lockdowninMarch2020–almost20,000T-shirtshavebeenearned(including almost7,000inthelastopera�onalyear!).WhenyoucompletetheTrail,the covetedT-shirtisyours!

TheTrailstarts/endsatWestPort/Pla�orm3andthecostofacardis£5.

RelaxandenjoythefriendlyatmosphereinLinlithgow’spubs

ThePerambula�ontakesyou aroundwhatwasLinlithgow’s 1832Parliamentaryboundary.

Therouteisopentowalkany �meandisshownonthetown map(pages19-20).See“events” fordetailsoftheannualevent.

Oneofthe“MarchStones”

Thewalkpassesbysevenofeightmarchstones(oneoriginal andsevenreplicas,whichwereinstalledin2014)markingthe boundary.Itsroutepassessome32featuresofhistoricalor architecturalinterest,mostlydifferentfromthoseonthe HeritageTrail,andisshownonthemapinthecentrepages. Fulldetailsaregiveninaseparateleaflet,availablefreefrom the BurghHalls and PartnershipCentre (bothatTheCross).

ThePerambula�onstartsinfrontof StNinian’sChurch on FalkirkRoadandproceedsclockwisealongtheroute.This direc�onoftravelisstronglyrecommendedforsafetyreasons; visibilityatroadcrossingsandsteepsteps.Keepaneyeoutfor themarchstonesalongtheroute,whichareinscribed‘LPB’ (LinlithgowParliamentaryBurgh).

ThistrailtakesyouroundthesiteoftheBa�leofLinlithgow Bridge,whichwasaproductofthepowervacuuminScotland createdbythedeathofJamesIVatFloddenin1513.

On4September1526,landtothesouthofLinlithgowBridge (onthetown’swesternfringes)wasthesiteofaba�lewhich tookplacewhentheEarlofLennoxandhisarmyof10,000 men,ontheirwaytoEdinburghtofreetheyoungKingJamesV fromhisRegent,theEarlofAngus,wasconfrontedattheriver crossing,ini�allybyaforceof2,000menloyaltoAngus.

Despitethenumericalsuperiorityofhisownforces,Lennox wasforcedtosurrenderoncereinforcementssuppor�ng AngusarrivedfromEdinburgh.Hissubsequentmurderis commemoratedbytheLennoxCairn.Forfurtherinforma�on, pleasevisit bolb.org.uk.

Perambula�onofLinlithgow’sMarches

Ba�leofLinlithgowBridgeTrail

WalkingtheBa�leofLinlithgowBridgeTrail: Thetrailstartsat theinforma�onpanelattheLinlithgowBridgecrossroads,one ofthreeontheroute.Pathscangetmuddy.Fromthestar�ng point,walksouthalongMillRoadfor100yards,thenturnright intoBurghMillsLanetojointheRiverAvonHeritageTrail. Followthetrailun�lyoureachasmallwoodenbridge.Just pastthebridge,lookacrosstheriverwhereyoumayseethe ruinsoftheManuelPrioryamidthetrees.

Returntothebridgeandturnright,awayfromtheriver.When youreachopenground,bearle�anduphill.Onyourle�isa pondandyoushouldfindapathleadingtoaclearingwhere thepathturnsrightandclimbssteeply.Turnle�atabroader pathandyouwillreachopenground.Thepathonyourright leadstoagatewhereyouwillsee,acrossaroundabout,the LennoxCairn,whichmarkstheapproximatesiteofthemurder oftheEarlofLennoxa�ertheba�le.ReturntoLinlithgow Bridge,northwardsviaMillRoad.

TheLennoxCairn

TheBa�leofLinlithgowBridgeTrail

SHOPPINGANDSERVICES

Linlithgowhasoneofthefinestretailandserviceofferingsof anytowninScotland.It’scertainlyworthleavingadayofyour visitfreetoexplore! MR=MillRoad(IndustrialEstateatLinlithgowBridge) BBU=BraeheadBusinessUnits(offBraeheadRoad) S’bridgeRetailPark=StockbridgeRetailPark,offFalkirkRoad

Shops

Linlithgowisalwayswelcomingnewshops,services,cafés, barsandmuchmore.Keepuptodatewiththeregularlyupdated businessdirectory on mylinlithgow.com.Linlithgowis aFairtrade-accreditedtown,bestexemplifiedby“Fair Tradewinds”ontheHighStreet(see“shops”,above).

Linlithgowreallycouldn’tbeaneasierjourneyfromother towns,ci�esandtravelhubs.Ofcourse,it’sbesttouseyour preferrednaviga�onapponyoursmartphoneifyou’redriving, andcheckonlineforthemostrecent�metablesifyou’reusing publictransport(click“Ge�ngtoLinlithgow”atthetopofthis page),butwe’veshownsomesimpletravelplanningop�ons here.

Linlithgowisonly12milesfromScotland’smainairportin Edinburghand40milesfrom GlasgowAirport.From EdinburghAirport,drivealongtheairportroadtowardsRatho Roundabout.JointheM9motorwayfromitsstart(heading towardsS�rling)thenturnoffatjunc�on3,signposted

Linlithgow.Fromthere,turnle�atthejunc�onandfollowtheroadstraight intothetown.Youcan’tmissLinlithgowPalaceonyourrightasyoucomeinto thetown.AtaxifromtheairporttoLinlithgowcosts£40-£50.There’slotsof addi�onalinforma�onabouttravelconnec�onson edinburghairport.com.

Ifyou’revisi�ngusfromacruiselinerdockedatRosyth/ Leith/Queensferry,it’squickandeasytovisitLinlithgow. It’sonly20minutesawaybytaxi(we’velistedtaxi companiesonpage17).Bytrain,justheadtocentral

Edinburgh(WaverleyorHaymarket).Around80trainsdepartforLinlithgow dailyfromhere,soyouwon’tbewai�nglong.Onceyou’reinthetrain,it’sonly 15minutestoLinlithgowtowncentre!

The X38bus runseveryhalf-hourfromvariousstopsin Edinburgh(RegentRoad,DrumBraeandHaymarket Sta�on)andwilltakeyoutoLinlithgowBridgeand StockbridgeRetailPark,aswellas

thetowncentre.Duringpeakhours,busesaregenerallyeveryhalf-hour,andif youprefertotakethetrainfromEdinburgh,theyleavefromHaymarketand Waverleyapproximatelyevery20minutes.