Collections
The museum’s collection is full of fascinating objects that help tell the story of Linlithgow. Many of these items were originally owned by the old Town Council and were later passed to the National Museums of Scotland in 1974. In 1991, most of the collection came into the care of the Linlithgow Heritage Trust, where it has been looked after ever since.
Our collection includes everything from 19th-century coins and beautiful architectural models to civic regalia and a wide variety of objects donated by local people over the years. Each item helps to paint a picture of Linlithgow’s rich past and the lives of the people who have called it home.
Our three galleries have been designed to display these artefacts in such a way as to tell Linlithgow’s story:
The Galleries
Gallery 1
CIVIC LIFE
Discover what life was like in Linlithgow through the years and explore the town’s proud royal connections and civic life. Don’t miss the beautiful statue of Mary, Queen of Scots, the first ever life sized statue of her commissioned in Scotland, a true highlight of the museum!
Gallery 2
A WORKING TOWN
Explore the many trades and industries that helped Linlithgow grow over the centuries — from dyeing and explosives to making soda! Get hands-on with fun activities like mixing your own medicine or opening our sniff boxes to experience some surprising (and sometimes smelly!) scents from the past.
Gallery 3
LIFE BY THE LOCH
Step into the everyday lives of Linlithgow’s people — from school days and local politics to sports, leisure, and more. Take a seat and enjoy a nostalgic film of the town’s much-loved annual tradition, the Riding of the Marches — a special event that brings the whole community together.
“A very impressive collection - congratulations.”
The Christopher Dawson Collection
Back in the 1800s, Christopher Dawson, a schoolteacher in Abercorn, used a fascinating collection of objects from around the world to help teach his students about different cultures. Some of these items were collected by Christopher Dawson, while others were gifted to him — all chosen to bring the wider world into the classroom.
Today, you can see a small selection of his unique collection on display in the museum, including a pair of Egyptian shabtis, some delicate Chinese slippers, and a traditional New Zealand fishing hook. Look just above the case and you’ll also spot some beautifully hand-drawn maps made by Dawson’s pupils — some were as young as 11! Their detail and care show just how inspiring his teaching must have been.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION
We’ve also got a fantastic collection of photographs, and thanks to support from Museums Galleries Scotland — and lots of hard work from our curator and volunteers — you can now explore Linlithgow’s history online! Our searchable image database has over 200 photos (and counting), giving you a fascinating glimpse into how the town has changed over the years.
When you visit the museum, you can also browse our photo collection using the interactive touchscreen in Gallery 1 — it’s a great way to step back in time and see Linlithgow through the lens of the past.
If you are interested in learning more about our photography collection or would like to purchase an image, please contact the museum office.
Disclaimer: All photographs belong to Linlithgow Museum. You may copy, display, store, and make derivative works (for example, documents) solely for personal use at home or for educational use by staff and students on a secure intranet. Under the following conditions: Display Attribution, No Commercial Use or Sale, No Public Distribution (for example, by hand, email or web).
Donate an Object
We are always looking to grow our collection with items that help tell the story of Linlithgow and the surrounding area. If you have something special that you think belongs in the museum — whether it is a personal memento, an old photograph, or a local treasure — we would love to hear from you!
Every offer is carefully considered by our volunteer Curator, who looks at the item’s condition, its connection to the local area, and how it fits with the rest of our collection.
If you are thinking about donating or loaning an object, please get in touch — call us on 01506 670677 or email us. We would be happy to chat!
Some of the objects on display
