Linlithgow Marches

There is no way that Linlithgow's annual civic festival can be adequately described.  You have to actually be here to appreciate the Marches.

The Marches is organised by the Deacons Court, set up in 1975 when the Town Council ceased to exist due to local government changes.  This voluntary body, headed by the Provost, raises funds and plans the big day.

Those born in Linlithgow are known as as "Black Bitches" (The Burgh crest depicts a black bitch tied to a tree on an island) and many Black Biches who live far away will make an annual visit the their vhome town for the Marches.  Those that can't will often think of their home and wish they could be there on Marches day.

 

The Riding of Linlithgow Marches

Tuesday 15th June 2010

Linlithgow's big day is almost on us!  Marches enthusiasts have long been getting ready for the first Tuesday after the second Thursday in June and it is almost here now!

The first Deacons Night was on Saturday 5 June - if you missed it there are some good photos in the Gazette and on the official Marches website.  The second is on Saturday 12th June, starting from the West Port at 6:30 and proceeding through the town and three times round the Cross.

This year you will be able to see some of the action on the new Linlithgow Cross webcam.

Key Timings

Time Details
5-7am Fluters, Pipers and Drummers parade through the Burgh, Linlithgow Bridge and Blackness rousing the inhabitants
9am Decorated Floats and Bicycles judged in St Michael's RC Church car park
10:25am Civic Party, Round Table, Rotary, 41 Club and Dyers march to the Palace to fraternise
11am Procession moves off west from The Cross to Linlithgow Bridge
12noon Procession from Linlithgow Bridge to Lowport and then to Blackness
1:45pm Fencing of the Court at Castle Hill, Blackness.  Installation of Baron Bailie
5pm Grand Finale - the Procession goes three times round the Cross Well

 

The bands which are scheduled to appear are:

• Royal Burgh of Linlithgow Reed Band • Linlithgow & District Pipe Band • Bo’ness and Carriden Band • Bo'ness Pipe Band • The Bathgate Band • Unison Kinneil Band •Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band • Sambalistic • The Camelon Pipe Band • the Band of the Royal British Legion Scotland

In addition to joining the main procession, bands will play in various parts of the town early in the morning and during the afternoon.

And finally, don't forget to listen to Bobby Bennie's classic 2009 exit as Deacon of the Dyers on YouTube!