Overview of Linlithgow

An ancient and royal burgh of West Lothian, Linlithgow lies between the Union Canal, to the south, and the M9 motorway, to the north, 18 miles (29 km) west of Edinburgh. A Roman fort and later a castle occupied the site which was, for three centuries, an important centre of the Anglians of West Lothian. Chartered by David I in the early 12th C., it was later the seat of a sheriffdom and developed important links with church and state during the Middle Ages, particularly from the 14th C. when it was re-chartered. These links and its commercial privileges contributed to Linlithgow's grandeur and important role in history, becoming one of Scotland's four leading burgh towns and a favourite of royalty. Linlithgow Palace, which replaced the fort in the 12th C., was rebuilt in the 15th C. by James I and later extended by James V whose daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, was born here in 1542. Adjacent is St Michael's Church, consecrated in 1242, rebuilt in 1424 after a fire, restored in the 1890s and topped by a striking timber and aluminium fleche in 1964.

Linlithgow's role declined after the Reformation and the Union of the Crowns. The palace was abandoned in 1746, having been destroyed by fire, but the town continued as a centre for tanning, brewing, distilling and the manufacture of textiles, shoes, paper and soap. A prize-winning redevelopment of the town centre was the work of the architectural practice of Rowand Anderson, Kininmonth & Paul (1967) but today lies somewhat incongruously next to historic buildings. However, Linlithgow remains a picturesque town; the National Trust for Scotland restored houses in the High Street and the palace is a popular attraction. The story of the Union Canal is told in the Linlithgow Canal Centre (opened 1977) and the history of the burgh is featured in a museum in Annet House (opened 1993). Linlithgow Loch is a bird sanctuary with canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. The town holds an annual festival of The Marches in June.

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