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The Riding of the Marches – An Ancient Tradition

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Admin under Visit Scotland

As a reasonably new resident to Linlithgow I’d been told (many times) “just wait till you’ve experienced the Marches.”   So I delved into the Linlithgow Marches and Deacon’s Court Official website, and the Linlithgow Facebook Page to get some background into this historic and special day.  Dating back to the 16th century, Linlithgow continues  the ancient tradition of Scots Boundary Marking.   The Riding of the Marches of the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow always takes place on the first Tuesday after the second Thursday of June and at 5am the flutes and drums start to rouse the waking community for a day of ceremony and celebration, toasts and tradition.

I’ll admit I didn’t join the 5am start!  However I did wandered into town for the 11am and 5pm processions and here’s what I was rewarded with.  Enjoy my visual story of the day.  It was a pleasure to be watching from the sidelines of these beautiful streets!