WHAT IS THE DEACONS' COURT?

The Court of the Deacons of the Ancient and Royal Burgh of Linlithgow is a
voluntary organisation made up of male and female deacons from town organisations
and other elected men and women members whose prime function is to finance,
prepare and run the Marches. This is a year round task which annually gets more
difficult as the Marches Day costs rise to over £15,000. Through dances,
Burns Suppers, Street Fairs, raffles and donations the necessary money is raised
to pay for the parade and the participating bands. All of the official party who
take part in the actual Riding Ceremonies pay their own way for the privilege -
to the tune of well over £40 a head.

WHEN DOES MARCHES DAY BEGIN?

The town`s most important day begins at 5-00am when the residents are
awakened by flute and drum: as they would have been in the 14th century
when the first recorded Riding took place. At 6-00pm the town piper makes
his rounds, in case the populace has fallen back to sleep. Finally, at
7-00am, the Linlithgow Reed Band, having begun their day with the playing
of the 23rd Psalm, marches from the West Port to the house of the
elected Provost for fraternisation and refreshment.

WHEN DOES THE PARADE START?

The Deacons` Court official party breakfasts in the Burgh Halls at 9-15am.
Other organisations break their fast in various establishments around the
burgh. The various groups begin to rally around the Royal Palace before
taking their places in the High Street for the 11 0` clock start. High in
the bell tower above the Town House is the burgh bell ringer. For the last
four years this official has been the Boy`s Captain from Linlithgow Academy.
On the ringing of the bells at 11-00am sharp, the parade moves off towards
Linlithgow Bridge. On the way along the High Street look out for phones
being held out of windows or mobile phones being tuned in so that exiles,
unable to return for the day, can join in the sounds of marching bands,
cheering crowds and all of the reflected pageantry.

WHAT HAPPENS AT LINLITHGOW BRIDGE?

The River Avon marks the western extremity of Linlithgow`s feudal power.
The tolls collected on the bridge over the River Avon all helped to
swell the town`s coffers and the mills which stood on or near the river
were all owned and leased out by the burgh council. Today the "industrial"
past of Linlithgow`s adjoining hamlet is remembered in a formal toast
to the last remaining trade fraternity, the Dyers whose Deacon replies
in suitable vein. Also toasted is "The Brig" itself: still a vital and
valued part of Linlithgow`s heritage. In recent years the laxity of the
law in Central Region has also helped to increase the popularity of the
forecourt of the venerable Bridge Inn: as one of the few places along the
Marches route where alcohol can be consumed in the open air.

WHAT HAPPENS AT BLACKNESS?

The real centre of Linlithgow`s wealth was the ancient haven and trading
port of Blackness whose splendid castle helped to ensure the safety of
the mercantile harbour. The roadside war memorial acts as a focal point
to remember those in Blackness and Linlithgow who have paid the ultimate
sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. As the Last Post is played
(and on certain occasions the pipe lament, "The Flooers o` the Forest")
those Marches stalwarts who march no more are also remembered. Thereafter,
the company fraternise over a concoction of "Blackness milk" and fruitcake:
symbols of the bounty of the earth and the wealth of Blackness. A toast
is made to the Baron Bailie: an ancient title which goes back to the days
when Linlithgow`s interests in the village were represented by a red-robed
official. The Baron Bailie duly replies and then, following an impromptu
and brief election, in the ceremonially established Court of Blackness,
the Baron Bailie for the ensuing twelvemonth is installed under a bower of
greenery on the ancient hill top shrine of Saint Ninian: a ceremony which
goes back to the preaching of "The Word" under the Gospel Tree. After a
lunch in a marquee in the grounds of Lowvalley House, various dignitaries
from the town`s premier organisations circulate around each other`s chosen
venues and exchange appropriate fellowship.

WHAT HAPPENS AT 5pm?

At 5-00pm the whole ensemble reunites at the Low Port of Linlithgow and,
in less solemn manner than in the morning, circulate the Ancient Cross
Well three times: again a religious connotation. Finally, after a long,
tiring and emotional day, the Provost and the Deacon of the Dyers close
the Day of all Days on the steps of the Burgh Halls and there remains
nothing but memories and the strains of Auld Lang Syne.