Linlithgow is a historic town situated in West Lothian, Scotland, within the United Kingdom. It lies in the Central Belt on a route between Edinburgh and Falkirk, adjacent to Linlithgow Loch. Historically serving as the county town for Linlithgowshire, its administrative center has since moved to Livingston. The settlement occupies a strategic position approximately 20 miles west of Edinburgh, nestled beside the loch that gives the area its name.

The town originated as Lithgow, with the name deriving from Old Welsh terms for a lake in a moist hollow. It gained royal burgh status in 1388 under Robert II and developed as a royal residence around Linlithgow Palace, which began construction in 1424. The palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, remains a key heritage site despite being unroofed after burning in 1746. The town also witnessed the first firearm murder in Scotland in 1570.

Linlithgow features a preserved Victorian High Street lined with historic buildings, including the Town House of 1668 and St. Michael's Church. The church contains a controversial modern spire added in 1964. Other notable landmarks include the ruins of a Carmelite Friary and the site of the former Linlithgow Bridge. The town center retains a mix of medieval structures and later civic buildings, reflecting its long history as a market and industrial hub.

The town attracts visitors through its heritage tourism, focusing on hospitality and services linked to its historical significance. Key attractions include Linlithgow Palace and the scenic loch. Cultural points of interest include the Burgh Halls complex and the Tam Dalyell House, which houses the town library and museum. The area also holds a unique place in pop culture, commemorating the fictional birth of Star Trek character Montgomery Scott with a plaque dedicated in 2007.

Linlithgow had a population of 13,260 as of 2016, though the wider ward recorded 16,499 in 2019. The economy has shifted from leather and shoemaking industries to tourism and commuter services for Edinburgh. Transport links include a railway station with frequent trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and proximity to Edinburgh Airport. The town is bounded by green belts and the M9 motorway, controlling its expansion while maintaining its character as a historic Scottish burgh.