Factfile

n The patron saint of Linlithgow is St Michael and the town motto, “St Michael is kinde to straingers”, symbolises the welcome visitors can expect there.

n Close to the roadside between Cockleroy and Cairnpapple at the Witchcraig, you’ll find a Korean pagoda. It was erected on June 27, 2000, to mark 50 years since the start of the Korean War. Around it are planted 110 Korean firs. Each represents 10 Britons who sadly perished in the conflict. There are also close to 1,100 birch trees – one for each of those who fell.

n In 1349 the Black Death reached Scotland and ran wild in Edinburgh. The King, parliament and court took refuge in Linlithgow and gallows sprang up at all the burgh ports to prevent plague carriers from entering the town. In 1389 the Burgh was granted its Royal Charter by Robert II.

n Mary, Queen of Scots, was born in Linlithgow Palace in 1542.