Linlithgow Civic Trust
Perambulation of Linlithgow’s Marches
This annual event, which complements the Riding of the Marches – a tradition dating back to the 16th century –takes place in the evening of the Wednesday before Marches Day. The popular, and increasingly well-attended, 4-mile (6.5 km) walk pauses at seven out of the eight March Stones marking the Parliamentary Boundary established by the Representation of the People (Scotland) Act of 1832 and the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act of 1892. Accompanied children, and dogs on leads, are more than welcome to join in.
The procession starts at the first March Stone, outside St Ninian’s Craigmailen Church on Falkirk Road, led by the Provost of the Deacons’ Court, supported by flagbearers, halberdiers and a bagpiper who plays at each of the March Stones. The walk proceeds up Philip Avenue and crosses St Ninian’s Road to take the footpath along the south shore of Linlithgow Loch, through the Peel past Linlithgow Palace and St Michaels’ RC Church to Blackness Road. It continues through Fiddler’s Croft into Springfield and past Linlithgow Cricket Club to join the Union Canal towpath from Edinburgh Road. A team of stewards, wearing hi-vis, ensure that all roads are crossed safely.
Leaving the towpath at the Manse Road bridge, walkers can take well-earned refreshments, generously provided by the Linlithgow Union Canal Society, at the Linlithgow Canal Centre while listening to uplifting music played by the Linlithgow Reed Band.
The route continues with the climb up Manse Road, through the site of the Carmelite Friary, past one of the original March Stones and on into Rosemount Park to be met by the Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Gala Queen, her Chief Lady and entourage. From here, the route is via Friar’s Loan, Friar’s Brae and Priory Road joining Preston Road to pause at a March Stone under the Preston Road canal bridge.
Walkers then proceed down Preston Road to the function suite of the West Port Hotel to complete the course of the Perambulation and be presented with a certificate in recognition of their participation and effort. In 2024, the Perambulation of the Marches attracted nearly 150 participants. It would be amazing if 2025 sees a number nearer 200 taking part!
This leaflet provides full details: Perambulation Leaflet (5 Mb PDF download)