Marches Prelude
The Crying of the Marches
On the Friday before the Marches Day itself, the Town Crier, Halberdiers, Drums and Flautists lead a parade of school children and town folk alike, along the High Street from the Low Port to the West Port (the ancient gateways into the burgh). Along the way the procession often stops to duly inform the the inhabitants of Linlithgow that their presence is required the following Tuesday to participate in the Riding of the Town`s Marches. In recent years the parade has carried on to the grounds of Linlithgow Bridge Primary School where the children welcome the procession and provide refreshments and entertainment.
​
In his mock-Mediaeval garb, the Town Crier also stresses the importance of the occasion by announcing that everyone must attend in their best "carriage and equipage, apparel and array" - under a non-attendance penalty of one hundred pounds Scots!
​
​​
Deacons Nights
As Linlithgow developed into an important 16th century trading town, one of the principal functions of the Marches Day was to make sure that everyone knew who the important craft and guild officials were. Each of the local trades (shoemakers; tanners; curriers, bakers, wrights, cloth dyers, blacksmiths etc) appointed a deacon to represent the interests of their work force and to chair the meetings where trade standards and craft regulations were laid down. On the two Saturdays before the Marches Day, these important officials were paraded along the town so that everyone knew who they were.
Linlithgow's continuation of this centuries old tradition is now unique in Britain, although only one genuine trade deacon now remains: the Deacon of the Dyers, the last remaining craft fraternity. The other "deacons" are elected by participating town organisations such as the Round Table, the Forty One Club, the Canal Society, the Sorority, and the Ex-tinguishers, to name but a few.
Any organisation can take part. The best way to find out more about getting involved is to attend the annual "Getting to Know You" meeting. The date, usually in March, will be posted on our social media platforms. The meeting brings together members of the Court and representatives from both experienced and not-so experienced organisations. Those present can exchange ideas and have questions answered about participation in Deacons' Nights and the Marches.
​
​​