Linlithgow Civic Trust
Publications
The Trust’s various publications can be bought from a number of High Street shops including the Post Office, A Wee Mindin’, Far From The Madding Crowd, and Lilypond Crafts and Gifts.
The Heritage of Linlithgow
Linlithgow Civic Trust has published a new edition of its popular book about the history and architecture of Linlithgow. Ron Smith has completely re-formatted the book to match more recent Civic Trust publications and has included new features of the town and the history of several local facilities, such as schools and sports clubs, not previously covered.
The book includes a foreword by Bruce Jamieson, an updated historical section by Alex Adamson, covers 100 locations and contains 260 photographs, mostly new. There are full annotations to each image, an index and a list of the town’s buildings that are listed as of architectural and historic interest.
The Changing Face of Linlithgow
Linlithgow Civic Trust has recently published a book that reveals, for the first time, the amount of ancient building work that survives unseen behind present-day frontages along Linlithgow High Street. The work of Linlithgow-bred architect Laurie Alexander, who sadly died in 2023, the book is a historical and architectural detective story showing how, over time, nearly all the High Street’s buildings were extended forward, narrowing the highway and concealing earlier structures, some dating back to the 16th century or before.
Perhaps the most striking features of the book are Laurie’s drawings of former or hidden frontages of buildings, superimposed on more modern photographs.
“In my opinion, Laurie Alexander’s work is the best body of original research that I encountered in all my years of working in West Lothian local history”.
Sybil Cavanagh – West Lothian Council’s local history librarian from 1990 until 2016
Putting Linlithgow on the Map
The latest Civic Trust publication, authored by Chris Long, looks at centuries of map-making in Scotland as a whole and then focuses on the history and development of Linlithgow through a comprehensive and diverse selection of maps and related images.
The 100-page book is painstakingly researched, comprehensively illustrated and fully annotated.
Tracks around Linlithgow
This publication tells a railway story with a 19th-century focus and explores company records, old maps and the industrial archaeology to be found around Linlithgow.
A fascinating read for those interested in Linlithgow and Central Scotland’s history and for those who study railway history in the wider context.
This 104-page book is by Dr John McGregor whose books include The West Highland Railway: Plans, Politics and People and The New Railway.
The Civic Insignia of Linlithgow
Linlithgow Burgh Trust’s book supplements the installation of the two sculptures in Linlithgow, representing the town’s civic insignia: The Black Bitch and St Michael.
This highly professional 84-page book, by Ronald P A Smith, published in December 2020, is well-researched, beautifully illustrated and fully annotated.
“This fully illustrated book cleverly and extensively explores the background of Linlithgow’s civic insignia. It covers the many myths and legends connected to the symbols, debunking some and reinforcing others. It educates and entertains in equal measure and I commend it wholeheartedly.”
Bruce Jamieson, local historian.
Looking at Linlithgow
This Linlithgow Civic Trust publication traces how artists over the centuries have been inspired by the history and appearance of the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow.
Chris Long’s highly professional 145-page book is extensively researched, beautifully illustrated and fully annotated.
It is designed for residents of Linlithgow and for visitors who want to see the varied ways the town has appeared in art in its broadest sense including work by painters, cartographers, sculptors, textile artists and so on.
Walks around Linlithgow
Written by local walker, the late John Davidson, this revised edition provides many interesting snippets of information on local history and wildlife alongside detailed directions for twenty-nine walks, many of which are circular.
Street Names of Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge
This illustrated booklet by local historian and author, Bruce Jamieson, traces the origins of many of the fascinating street names of Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge.
Linlithgow Street Plan
This handy, indexed street plan of Linlithgow, prepared and drawn by Ron Smith, was revised and updated in 2022 to include the town’s two new housing developments at Queenswood and Deanburn.
Pamphlets
Linlithgow Civic Trust has published a number of pamphlets, which are available free of charge from various locations in the town, or can be downloaded here.
Merchandise
Other items are also available for online purchase, including Tote Bags and New Tea Towels.