Beware the Gruffalo!

It's the Linlithgow Marches! Woo hoo!

This is the highlight of Linlithgow's calendar - all the shop fronts get fixed up, re-painted etc, the townsfolk dig out their best gear and the pubs prepare for the onslaught! As a Linlithgow local, this has been very much part of growing up.

The first Tuesday after the second Thursday (don't ask, no-one knows why!) sees the Linlithgow townfolk take to the streets to check its boundaries (or Marches) are intact.

A 5am wake-up call by flute and drum ensures that everyone's up and ready to go. The first procession kicks off at 11am and heads towards Linlithgow Bridge. In olden times, there was a toll for the bridge over the River Avon used to boost the town's coffers - nowadays there's simply a toast to the Brig.

Reversing course through the town to the port of Blackness where a tribute is paid at the war memorial to those from Blackness and Linlithgow who gave their lives for peace. Blackness milk (whisky and milk) is consumed by the officials and a toast made to Baron Baillie.

The second procession is at 5pm, where the bands, floats and everyone else taking part circle the Cross Well three times following by speeches.

The day is ended when the Provost declares "Safe out, Safe in" followed by Auld Lang Syne.

The older generation head to the pubs which have been open since about 7am in the morning (a special licence is granted) while the families head along to the shows.

There are some more photos on Flickr but I thought the Gruffalo was cute!