Battle 500 goes live!

We are officially launched – here’s what to expect in the next 12 months or so.

September next year will see the 500^th anniversary of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge. To mark the occasion, a group of local community groups have joined together to create a series of special events.

From battle re-enactments to a huge parade, performing arts to academic talks, all washed down with a special beer, the organisers of Battle 500 are anticipating interest from across the country.

The aim of Battle 500 is to raise the profile of the battle and the battlefield which saw the Earl of Lennox routed by the Earl of Arran’s army in what was the bloodiest encounter in the aftermath of the death of James VI at the Battle of Flodden.

The amazing spectacle across the town is the brainchild of Sally Pattle, owner of the Far From the Madding Crowd bookshop and West Lothian councillor, and Mike Dunning, convenor of the Linlithgow Civic Trust.

Sally said: “We are really excited with all the events we are planning – there really is something for everyone.

“So, if you like a big parade or a battle re-enactment, a play or some music, as well as a fantastic show by the town’s historian Bruce Jamieson, it is coming your way.

“The big idea is that anyone and everyone, from anywhere and everywhere is welcome and can get involved.”

With that in mind Sally and Mike have brought together a wide range of groups and organisations and are putting in place events for young and old alike.

Eminent historians will be giving a series of talks through the year, exploring the significance of the battle. This is your chance to go along, ask questions and find out what actually happened – how did they raise their armies and where are the bodies?

All the schools will also be involved, working with Historic Environment Scotland to deliver learning packages from the start of primary to the later years of the Academy.

And, Linlithgow Players and the Linlithgow Arts Guild will be putting on battle-themed performances, bringing an artistic view of the bloodshed.

Battle 500 will have a presence at all the events across the town through the year, from Artisan Markets to the Advent Fayre, to a float or two on Marches Day, and at the Children’s Gala Day. You can meet the team, buy merchandise and find out all you need to know about the events.

They will also be at the Spectacular Jousting extravaganza at Linlithgow Palace and there will be a special exhibition next year at Linlithgow Museum in a dedicated space with plans for a model of the battle, allowing visitors to see how it played out.

The organisers decided that a good, local beer was needed to help the commemorations go with a swing. So they teamed up with Strangers Brewing Co to create a special ale which you will soon be able to pre-order on the Battle 500 website. You can also pre-order at the Battle 500 stalls at the town events through the year.

You will also be able to enjoy some great rugby and a taste of the ale at next year’s RedsFest where a keg or two will be available.

Full details of all the events will be announced in the coming months but plans are already underway for a parade from The Cross to the battlefield site on the 500^th anniversary of the battle – September 4, 2026. This will involve groups and schools from across the town, as well as visitors from across the UK.

Following this, plans are under way for two days of battle re-enactments, complete with a medieval camp and demonstrations of 16^th century cooking and weaponry. Step back in time, and experience the events and way of life of 500 years ago.

Bruce Jamieson, well known to many in Linlithgow, will also be using his expertise as a historian to deliver two illustrated talks at St Michael’s Parish Church. These will be ticketed and they are expected to sell out fast, so keep a look out for announcements on how to secure a seat.

Mike Dunning has been delighted with the response to the plans so far. He said: “We started working on this last year and were thrilled with how many different folk and groups want to be involved.

“The battle is often overlooked but was seismic in the way Scotland evolved when James V was a teenager, and therefore unable to hold all the reins of power. The battle also helped shape the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow.

“To mark this properly the Linlithgow community and other groups across Scotland are coming together to organise a series of exciting, fun and special events.

“So, it is great to raise its profile, as well as have a great time with the whole community.”