Formerly the principal town of West Lothian, Linlithgow lies some 20 miles west of Edinburgh along the main railway route to Glasgow. Its rich history, including as a Royal Burgh, and central location make it a popular tourist destination while a significant proportion of the local population make the daily commute to Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Stirling. Unlike many other commuter towns however, Linlithgow enjoys a considerable amount of local facilities and has a strong sense of identity despite rapid growth in recent years. The town is well served by two supermarkets, including unusually for a town of this size a Sainsburys. There is also an extensive sports complex including swimming pool and a substantial number of local parks including parks for children. The child-friendly nature of the town is enhanced by a traditional toy shop on the High Street and nearby Beecraigs is very much work a visit for young and old alike. The town has the Marches in the summer - these are traditional and involve young and old in the tradition of checking the county perimeter and family parades through the town involving floats from adults and the local schools. There is also the Linlithgow Folk Festival and the sense of community is enhanced by the local newspaper the Linlithgow Gazette.

One of the historic attractions of Linlithgow is the ruin of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The Palace was built (on a site which had had prior buildings) starting in 1424 by James I of Scotland. It was destroyed by fire in 1746. Linlithgow was also the site of the battle of Linlithgow Bridge at the West perimeter of the town. There is an enjoyable walk around the perimeter of the Loch.

Another attraction is St. Michael's Church, with a distinctive "crown" steeple, erected in 1964.

Linlithgow is on the Edinburgh & Glasgow Union Canal and has the Canal Museum.

The town is especially popular with middle classes and commuters, not only because of its excellent links to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling but also because the local high school, Linlithgow Academy, regularly appears top of the school league tables in Scotland. The town has grown considerably, especially during the 1990s and there is a shortage of spaces at the local schools as well as the inevitable problems of parking. However, due to the town being bounded by green belt to the south, the M9 to the north, the river Avon and county boundary to the West and the east side of the town only having limited access to the M9, and expecially because the High School is full, it is difficult to see how permission could be granted for the town to grow further, and most of the housing growth within West Lothian is likely to be in the Livingston area.

Linlithgow is also home to a major facility owned by Sun Microsystems, one of their most important factories outside the US and a major local employer.

External links

• About Scotland, Linlithgow Palace
• Castle Pictures
• Gazetteer for Scotland
• Linlithgow Canal Centre
• Linlithgow News
• Linlithgow Academy