The Duck Race

The Duck race has become an annual fixture of the Marches fortnight, and dozens of people paraded behind the Linlithgow Reed Band as the 2009 race began.  The cash raised was shared among the Red Band, Deacons' Court and the Gala Day.  The total raised for the four years that the Duck Race has been running is now in excess of £12,000.

The Rotary Club of Linlithgow and Bo'ness holds an annual duck race here in support of the Town's Marches and Gala Day.  The race runs for about a quarter of a mile and attracts a large and supportive crowd.  The aim is to raise money for three deserving local events whilst giving people to the chance have fun as well.

Platform 3 loans the ducks (yes, they are recycled - poor ducks) and "Mine Host" is the race organiser so a good event is assurred.  Ducks are avaliable at £2 each from Platform 3 and many other outlets around the town and you can hire as many as you want!  There are prizes for the first six ducks home which this year included:

     • A full car service from Hunter's
     • A 'Bucket of Booze' from Platform 3
     • A meal voucher from the Park
     • A bouquet of flowers from Carolyn
     • A multi tool from Linlithgow DIY
     • And a Spa Duck

The organisers also include an extra race, The Commercial Race, Where local businesses buy ducks for £25 to help fund new uniforms for the Linlithgow Reed Band who, in turn, herald the start of the race by parading through the town to the Lochmill Burn. This year's winner was:

     • The Linlithgow Players

The race is an early evening event normally held in just prior to The Marches.

Keep your eye on the local press (and this page) for details of the 2010 race!