Monthof festivities fortown

Linlithgow Deacons Court is all set to celebrate Marches Day for the first time since 2019 with a range of events taking place in June.

The main event, Marches Day, will take place on Tuesday, June 14 – although celebrations will start with Eve of Marches night on June 3.

It will be followed by the First Deacons Night dance on June 4, traditionally held to inform locals who the important craft and guild officials were – now it includes participating town organisations.

A summer variety showcase will be held on June 7.

The Cryin’ O’ the Marches takes place on June 10, with the parade leaving the Star & Garter at 1pm followed by the Provost’s Wrestling Dinner in the evening.

The Second Deacons Night will go ahead on June 11 with the parade leaving West Port at 6.30pm.

Celebrations will culminate with the Marches day on June 14 – beginning as early as 5am with flutes and drummers parading through the burgh to wake up locals.

For deep sleepers a second pipe and drum parade follows the same route in a second wake up call.

The procession proper will begin by heading west from The Cross to Linlithgow Bridge to the sound of the Linlithgow Reed Band at 11am.

By noon the procession will head from Linlithgow Bridge to Low Port and then to Blackness – laying wreaths at the war memorial in Blackness at 1.15pm.

The provost’s party lunch will then be held in the marquee in Blackness around 2.15pm.

The procession will finish in a grand finale, going three times around the Cross Well in Linlithgow.

The Riding of the Marches is a tradition dating back to the 16th century in Linlithgow – the pandemic unfortunately turned the celebrations digital in 2020 and 2021.

The Deacons Court behind organising the marches appointed a new Provost at an AGM in November 2020. Elizabeth Park will take on the role of provost, spearheading the first Marches Day since 2019.

Elizabeth said: “I’m incredibly excited, honoured, and proud to be named Provost of Deacons Court.

“Marches day is a fantastic celebration of Linlithgow – not only for all the locals, but also for everyone travelling in.

“I can’t wait until Marches Day to see the streets of Linlithgow lined with people once again!”