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16 June 2025

Jousting event returns to Linlithgow Palace

The sounds of thundering hooves and clashing lances will fill the air around Linlithgow Palace at the end of the month, as our spectacular jousting weekend returns to the historic grounds.

A knight dressed in armour is holding a lance and riding a white horse in the foreground of the photo. In the back there is a knight holding a green and gold flag, riding a black horse which is dressed in green, gold and red horse blanket. The horse is rearing up with his front hooves off the ground. The knights are in front of the archway entrance to Linlithgow Palace, which features four colourful coats of arms on the stonework.

Spectacular Jousting returns to Linlithgow Palace

On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, crowds will have the opportunity to cheer on their hero and boo baddy Sir Checkmate, as he battles for victory in the annual jousting competition. Visitors can meet the knight’s horses before and after each joust, which take place at 12.45pm and 2.30pm each day. They will also have the opportunity to wander through the living history camp and experience what life was like living in medieval times.  A range of entertainment is on offer including a falconry display and a show from our court jesters. The squire school returns, where young aspiring knights can get started on their training and test their skills. 

Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at HES, said:

Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace is a summer favourite, offering visitors a chance to engage with Scotland’s history in an exciting way. From watching jousts - iconic displays of chivalry and sport - and birds of prey flying through the skies to enjoying the antics of court jesters, there’s a way for everyone to experience a taste of medieval life.” 

The event will run on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June from 11.30am to 4.30pm. 

Next month, the knights will mount their horses once again to battle it out in the historic grounds of Caerlaverock Castle, as Spectacular Jousting returns to Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July.  

Entry to Linlithgow Castle is free for Historic Scotland members. When visiting staffed locations, members can also collect History Hunt Cards which look at the various types of sites, including fortresses, settlements, and towers. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt. For further information or to become a member visit: alittlehistory.scot  

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)  

  • We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future
  • Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.
  • View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email. 

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For further information, please contact:

Stacey Shaw
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
communications@hes.scot

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