When & Where
Thursday, 22 May 2025 (10.30am – 3.30pm)
Linlithgow – meet at The Regent Centre, Blackness Road, Linlithgow EH49 7HU

Event Details
Join us to explore some of the history of Linlithgow from Mary Queen of Scots (and before) to the twentieth century (and beyond). In the morning, we will take a short walk along the east end of the High Street stopping to examine evidence of the town’s history visible there. Architectural evidence of the town’s history and changing fortunes, from the sixteenth century to the present day, will be pointed out and described. After a break for lunch (not included – there are numerous cafes and coffee-shops along the High Street, or if weather permits, take a picnic down to the loch-side) we will reconvene at the Cross Well to walk up to St Michael’s Church with its iconic ‘crown of thorns’ spire. There has been a church on the site since at least 1242, though the form of the current structure dates from the fifteenth century. We hope to be able to explore the interior of the church before venturing out on to The Peel, the Royal Park that surrounds Linlithgow Palace. Although we do not plan to visit the Palace itself, we will conclude our day by taking a walk to explore the history evident from this vantage point.

Agenda
10.30am Meet at The Regent Centre (outside Tesco). Morning High Street walk and talk
12 noon Break for lunch
1pm Meet at the Cross Well to walk up to the church and The Peel
Afternoon St Michael’s Church and The Peel walk and talk
3.30pm Finish

Note: all times, other than the start, are approximate and may have to be adjusted on the day according to conditions.

Travel
Rail: Linlithgow station is just off the High Street, and only a short walk from the Regent Centre where we meet. Trains on the Edinburgh to Glasgow (Queen Street High Level) and Edinburgh to Dunblane routes stop at Linlithgow – do check on the Queen Street services as not all trains stop at Linlithgow.
Bus: The mcgillsscotlandeast.co.uk X38 bus between Edinburgh (Regent Road, Princes Street etc) and Falkirk serves Linlithgow High Street.
Car Parking: The free shoppers’ car park at the Regent Centre has a 2 hour maximum stay, which is enforced by ANPR cameras, and will not be suitable. There is a long-stay section too, but this is usually full with commuter traffic well before 9am on weekdays. The best option is the free car park adjacent to the cricket and sports clubs (use EH49 6AB for GPS and follow the local signs on turning off the main road) less than a half mile walk away – follow the signs to the station from the car park, the walking route goes through the Regent Centre. There are also parking option along and off the High Street, all with various time restrictions and charging regimes.

Important Note
The morning walk is relatively level, along pavements. We will cover just over half a mile with frequent stops. Traffic on the High Street can be busy, we will be on the pavement and use pedestrian crossings throughout, but participants are reminded to take care not to step into the carriageway when looking about. The afternoon walk will cover a similar distance and involves a comparatively steep slope from the High Street up to the church and The Peel, but will be on pavements and well surfaced footpaths throughout.

As we will be in the open for most of the day, with much walking and standing, participants are advised to wear weather appropriate clothing and stout, comfortable footwear.

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