Home Report Linlithgow

Linlithgow is an attractive former Royal Burgh and county town of some 13,500 residents. The town is situated approximately 20 miles to the west of Edinburgh and lies in the Central Belt on a historic route between Edinburgh and Falkirk beside Linlithgow Loch. In medieval times the town grew in prominence and population around Linlithgow Palace. However, it was in the 19th century that Linlithgow as we know it today developed rapidly, with the opening of the union canal and the arrival of the railway line, aiding the town’s already strong leather making and materials industries. This continued until the decline of these industries in the 20th century.

While it might no longer be a town of import as it once was, it is an attractive and affluent town that many desire to live in. Even as the industry has gone, the town is now focused on hospitality and tourism services focusing on the heritage of the town and Linlithgow Palace. Linlithgow is primarily a dormitory town for residents working in the nearby West Lothian area and Edinburgh city, as well as Glasgow and Stirling. As such transport links for the town are well developed. Linlithgow railway station is on the Glasgow to Edinburgh line and has regular daily services to both cities, as well services as from Edinburgh Waverly to Dunblane. There are also a number of regular bus services serving the nearby area as well as onwards to Edinburgh. For road users, the M9 Motorway is located on the northern outskirts of the town, connecting Linlithgow with Edinburgh, Stirling and Falkirk.

As for local amenities and things to do, the town has a lot going on for a town of its size. Linlithgow is famous for its Palace, with it also being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. As such, Linlithgow Palace and grounds and Loch are a particular draw for tourists and locals alike. Adjacent to the Palace is St Michael’s Parish Church. Constructed in the 15th century, it is the most complete example of a surviving late medieval church in Scotland. Linlithgow Loch, just next to Linlithgow Palace, is a haunt for wildfowl, especially in the winter months. Boat trips on the Union Canal are another popular pastime. A walk down the local high street reveals many a historic building as well as old “wynds” and “closes”, and is where most of the town’s quality cafes, pubs and restaurants can be found, as well as other independent businesses. The town also has several wonderful parks.

In terms of local education for children then, Linlithgow has five primary schools: Linlithgow Primary School, St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Linlithgow Bridge Primary School, Low Port Primary School and Springfield Primary School. Linlithgow Academy is the local secondary school. Donaldson’s School, Scotland’s national school for the deaf, is based in the town, having relocated from Edinburgh to a new campus (the Sensational Learning Centre) in Linlithgow in 2008.