Battle of Linlithgow Bridge: BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT, SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

BATTLE OF LINLITHGOW BRIDGE, BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT

XCITE LINLITHGOW

SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

*Please note that parking for this event is at Linlithgow Academy, except for blue badge holders.

*Please note you will not be allocated a physical ticket. Instead, your name will be added to a list, which we will have with us - all you have to do is provide your name at the entrance!

For two days, on September 5th and 6th, a field outside Xcite Leisure centre will reverberate to the sound of pikes clashing, soldiers brawling, and the thunder of cannon.

These free, ticketed events will be a real highlight of the Battle 500 commemoration of the 500^th anniversary of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge, supported by the Linlithgow Burgh Trust, Alan Steel Asset Management Ltd and Far From The Madding Crowd Bookshop.

Arran Johnston of the Scottish Battlefield Trust has organised re-enactments of many battles but is particularly excited about the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge.

He says: “It is not very often we get to re-enact this period of history. We will bring elements of 1526 to life – it is going to be colourful, bright, and a little gruesome as well.

“You will be able to see the soldiers and how they dressed and lived before battle commences. This means heraldic banners, equipment, armour and weaponry.”

All the re-enactors are members of societies from across the UK who take their preparation extremely seriously. 

The weaponry such as pikes will be faithful replicas of those used 500 years ago. There will also be two cannon. These were the new technologies of the time, and still exciting to see and hear in action.

The Linlithgow Players will also be performing their playlet, It Happened at the Brig, and Harry Millar of the Linlithgow Angling Club will be on hand to offer guided walks around the extended battlefield site.

During the day there will also be a time for reflection, remembering the thousands who died in the battle.

TIMETABLE

 9.00am – Free guided walk starting from the Lennox Cairn (please book your spot by emailing: harry.millar@live.co.uk)

11.00am – Living history camps open (event arena at Xcite)

11.30pm – Drill practice (at camps of both Earls of Arran and Lennox)

11.30am – Free guided walk starting from the Lennox Cairn (please book your spot by emailing: harry.millar@live.co.uk)

12.00 noon – Negotiations and battle plans (at Arran’s camp)

12.30pm – Kit and clothing talk (at Lennox’s camp)

1.00pm – Infantry display

2.00pm – Firepower display

2.00pm – Free guided walk starting from the Lennox Cairn (please book your spot by emailing: harry.millar@live.co.uk)

2.30pm – Playlet, It Happened at the Brig, performed by the Linlithgow Players

3.00pm – Full re-enactment of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge

4.00 - Camps close