Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival
Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival is an annual celebration which is known and highly-regarded throughout central Scotland.
Local people and those not so local eagerly anticipate the event, which takes place every year on the first Saturday of June.
The event was started by the trustees of the Old Bathgate Academy in 1844 to commemorate the school’s founding.
The procession began as a Founder’s Day Parade on April 17, 1844, in remembrance of John Newland’s contribution to the building of Bathgate Academy.
School pupils marched from the academy that day to The High Church and the day was designated a holiday for the town by Newland Trustees who believed the date commemorated Newland’s birthday.
And in 1849 after the service in the parish church, the pupils paraded through the town and began the tradition of a parade.
In 1924, the historical pageant included local young people playing the roles of Princess Marjory and Walter, Lord High Steward of Scotland, was introduced.
And since it had been discovered that April 17 marked Newland’s baptism date rather than his actual birth date, the procession was moved to June.
The procession is led by the Halberdier and the Procession Banner, with the banner bearing a picture of the academy and Alexander Marjoribanks, who fought to ensure that the money which John Newland had left for the people of Bathgate, was claimed.
Over time, the procession has grown and events now take place for the fortnight leading up to the big day.
Events, including children’s sports and a street fair, always run for the two weeks prior to the first Saturday in June.
Among the highlights is The Newland Oration which is held on the night before procession and commemorates the generosity of John Newland.
Every Year a Bathgate Bairn, who has left Bathgate and made their fortune just like John Newland, is invited back to the town.
They perform the oration to John Newland, where they remember the history of Newland and the town.
