The Marches Day
History of the Marches
As early as the 1200s, communities needed to ensure their boundaries were secure. Within these defined areas, the settlement's rules and privileges were enforced. A well-marked territory allowed a town to collect taxes and customs duties, create its own laws, host weekly markets, lease mills, and maintain standards of behaviour and craftsmanship.
Like many other royal burghs in Scotland, Linlithgow fiercely protected the land that provided its wealth and advantages. Unlike most other Scottish communities, Linlithgow still conducts an annual patrol of its boundaries, known as the Marches. On this special day, the entire community gathers to celebrate and reinforce the values that unite them: camaraderie, fellowship, loyalty, fraternity, and a shared sense of history and local pride.
When is the Riding of the Marches?
The Riding of the Marches of the Ancient and Royal Burgh of Linlithgow takes place every year on the first Tuesday after the second Thursday in June. Why this particular day should be fixed for the town`s official celebration is not certain.
It may be connected to the date of certain Medieval religious festivals or fast days and the Church traditionally did play an active part in the ceremonies of marking and blessing the boundary stones.
Marches Day Programme
Use our interactive programme to discover more about what is involved in the Marches Day.
05:00
Flutes and Drummers parade through the Burgh, Linlithgow Bridge and Blackness rousing the inhabitants and visiting the homes of the Provost and Bennie family before visiting the Brig.
06:00
Pipes and Drum follow the same route as the flutes to provide a second wake up call.
07:00
The Linlithgow Reed Band provide a moment of reflection as they perform the 23rd Psalm at the West Port before making their way to the home of the Provost.
08:30
The Provost's Party takes breakfast in the town hall.
10:30
Provost's Party, Fraternity of Dyres, Round Table, Rotary, and 41 Club march to the Palace to for the Fraternisation.
11:00
Procession moves off west from The Cross to Linlithgow Bridge to the sound of the Linlithgow Reed Band playing "The Roke".
11:30
The procession gathers at the Linlithgow Bridge to toast to the Brig, the Dyers and other Fraternities.
13:45
Fencing of the Court is held at Castle Hill, Blackness, as well as the annual installation of the Baron Bailie of Blackness.
17:45
As the town gathers at the Cross, the old cry of "Safe oot, Safe in!" is proclaimed, accompanied by Auld Lang Syne.
12:00
Procession from Linlithgow Bridge to Lowport and then to Blackness.
13:15
The Civic party lay wreaths at the war memorial in Blackness to honour those who march no more.
14:15
The Provost's party lunch in the Marquee in Blackness.
17:00
Grand Finale - the Procession goes three times round the Cross Well.