This event takes place on the first Saturday of June each year.
Started in 1844, the Bathgate and John Newland Festival is a true celebration of Bathgate’s history! 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 17th, 1844, in remembrance of John
Newland’s contribution to the building of Bathgate Academy.
The day’s activities include a Historical Pageant commemorating the marriage of Princess Marjory to Walter, Lord High Steward of Scotland. The event also celebrates John Newland who left money for the people of Bathgate. This is a fantastic historic event!