Linlithgow
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Linlithgow Hotels and Accommodation
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Linlithgow Town Centre
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Historic Buildings
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Town Centre
It is not clear when Linlithgow was established, however records show that by the early 12th century a small settlement was present which claimed both a mansion and a church. Linlithgow is ahistorians dream boasting hundreds of years worth of war, love and drama to be learned of.
Robert II gave Linlithgow its Royal Charter in 1389. Locals continue to be proud to refer to their town as the Royal Burgh. The building of the famous Linlithgow Palace began in 1425, under the instruction of James I. Through the years the original design of the palace has been repeatedly expanded and changed. Today however only the stone structure of the palace still stands, after a fire broke out in 1746 when the Duke of Cumberland and his troops were in the town and failed to put out their fires, Key dates for the town include the birth of Mary Queen of Scots at the Palace in 1542, and in 1570 when James Hamilton of Bothwelhaugh killed the Regent Moray. This murder was the first in which a hand held gun was used. Today, a plaque on the wall of the Sheriff Court commemorates this event.
In 1633 Charles I made an official visit to Linlithgow and stayed in the Palace. In 1650 Cromwell defeated the Scots at Dunbar and entered Linlithgow in October, installing himself in the Palace, which he fortified. After the restoration there was much redevelopment and the Town House was rebuilt by Robert Mylne. Later in 1691 there were 2,500 inhabitants and the town was engaged in the manufacture of linen cloth but foreign trade had declined and Blackness, Linlithgow's port, lost out to Bo'ness. Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) passed through the town with his Highland army on the way to Edinburgh. Robert Burns visited in 1787 but was not much impressed by the town.
Leather
Linlithgow had a thriving leather trade, involving the manufacture of leather and shoe making, with almost 300 people involved in that trade.
Modern Times
Paper making was once an important local industry and there was a whisky distillery at the eastern end of the town. In 1822 the Union Canal was completed, linking Edinburgh to Glasgow via the Forth & Clyde Canal. It was highly successful for a short time until the Glasgow & Edinburgh Railway was opened in 1842. Linlithgow tried to levy dues on railway traffic passing through the town, the costly and unsuccessful court action stripping the town of its wealth. Nobels explosives factory stood on the site now occupied by the Tesco supermarket.
Today Linlithgow is primarily a commuter town, with very little local industry apart from Sun Microsystems. Nowadays, of all the towns in West Lothian, Linlithgow is undeniably the tourism gem. The Burgh also benefits from excellent transport links, making it an easy commute to neighbouring Glasgow, Edinburgh or Stirling.
Visiting Linlithgow
The town is blessed with a wealth of heritage, and the community continues to uphold its many historic traditions. This is one West Lothian town that visitors should not pass by and with a wide range of activities and interests on offer, all age groups will be kept occupied and entertained.
The town boasts such a range of unique and independent shops; even a browse along the High Street is a pleasure in itself. Peek in the window of the delicious handmade-chocolate shop, the quirky bookshops or head into one of the holistic outlets where you can be pampered body and soul. In addition to these there is a vibrant Fairtrade store, more than one elegant florist and a number of galleries perfect for a splurge.
For the food fanatics in you there is a tasty selection. Livingston's is a delightful little restaurant tucked away on the High Street. The eatery opens up into a little garden oasis giving the diner a serene view to look out on. Just along the road, Marynka is known for offering quality food with a twist. Further out of town is the Park Bistro where you can sit and relax over your meal. There are also plenty of cafes dotted along the High Street, ideal for a lighter bite during the day.
Linlithgow is awash with culture to provide various visitor attractions which provide the ideal cultural experience. The Linlithgow Story www.linlithgowstory.com is a perfect place to find out more about the life and times of the Royal Burgh, with a museum and garden located at Annet House. You can also visit Linlithgow Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots herself was born and the infamous fountain is located. The elevated position of the palace means you can look out across Linlithgow Loch making it a delightful visit. St Michael's Parish Church is located right beside the palace is also worth visiting. It is a beautiful building with an interesting history.
If you are interested in finding out much more about the town, then your own guide from Linlithgow Tours www.linlithgowtours.net can show you around. They will be delighted to tell you about their hometown. Alternatively if you would just like some hints on where to visit, or would like an itinerary made up for you then head down to the tourist information centre at The Cross.
For a leisurely stroll, you can head down to the loch side and walk around its shore. You can also head to the Manse Basin for a peaceful cruise along the Union Canal. However, if you're feeling more active you can book some outdoor activities at the Lowport Centre or you can head south out of Linlithgow to Beecraigs Country Park, where a day of outdoor pleasure awaits you. From walking, fishing, & cycling to dining in the restaurant, the park provides an ideal day out. For the anglers, there are local fisheries nearby with the Bowden Springs Fishery and Parkley Fishery. If you fancy a game of golf then get down to Linlithgow Golf Club with its 18-hole course. Alternatively to practice on your game, go to the Kingsfield Golf Range For an all round range of sporting activities you can make you way to Linlithgow's leisure centre. Situated at the back of the town, the centre offers swimming and fitness facilities.
If you are more akin to watching, rather than participating in sport then you can see the local football team - Linlithgow Rose - in action. The squad were the Scottish Junior Cup winners for 2007.
Linlithgow has gained quite a reputation for hosting events and their affiliation for such activities appears to be steadily growing. Their Scotchhop summer programme includes evenings of Scottish country dancing in Linlithgow Palace, complimented by afternoons of Music at the Cross. Other local events worth checking out are the infamous Linlithgow Marches , The Folk Festival , The new Arts Festival - Celebrate Linlithgow and the annual Advent Fayre. Additionally, the fourth Saturday of each month sees their farmers market, which takes place in The Vennel.
Heading out of the town, there are many sites of interest worth going to. Around 3 miles east of Linlithgow you can find the House of the Binns. This historic building has been the home of the Dalyell family since the early 17th century. Another notable building to be found near Linlithgow is Blackness Castle, which is about 4 miles north east of the town. Hopetoun House, 10 miles outside of the town, is another beautifully elegant building worth visiting.
If you are staying over in Linlithgow then you have a generous selection of quality accommodation to choose from. From elegant B&B's to hotels, it is all there.
* The above content has been generously provided by West Lothian Council