Linlithgow Attractions

Viewed from the east, Blackness Castle (3mi/4.8km to the west of Edinburgh) resembles the hull of a ship with its bow and stern marked by two towers. The fort was built in the 15th C above a harbor that has since disappeared. It was used as a prison for Covenanters, from 1870 as a weapons store and more recently as a Youth Hostel. In 1990 a version of "Hamlet" starring Mel Gibson was filmed against the backdrop of the castle.

About 4mi/6.4km south of Linlithgow lie the stones of Cairnpapple Hill. This prehistoric sacred site probably dates from the Neolithic Era about 3000 B.C., although the stone circles and burial chamber were probably added during the early Bronze Age by the Beaker people.

The Linlithgow Heritage Centre (143 High Street) tells the story of this historic town which was the birthplace of May Queen of Scots.