Linlithgow Sheriff Court opens its doors to the public

Oct 2 2008 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW Sheriff Court opened its doors to the public, as part of Doors Open Day, for the final time recently.

The court moves to a new purpose built complex in Livingston next June so this was the last opportunity for members of the public to go on guided tours and gain an insight into the history of the building as well as finding out what happens there on an average day.

With over 200 visitors this was a tiring, yet rewarding day for the staff involved in the open doors event.

During the tours, visitors were told how in 1862 an attempt was made to restore Linlithgow Palace as the Sheriff Courthouse; however this was abandoned after numerous complaints.

The current court was built in 1863 on the site of the house from where the shot was fired that killed the then Prince Regent in the 16th century. This was the first murder in Scotland using a firearm.

Many say the building is haunted and few staff are keen to be in the building on there own.

The court staff hope the public will be interested in tours of the new Civic Centre in Livingston, but said they will have to wait and see if the ghost decides to move on as well.