royal burgh (town), West Lothian council area and historic county, southeastern Scotland. It contains one of Scotland's four royal palaces, which now stands roofless. The building of the palace was begun by James I of Scotland, and it subsequently became a favourite abode of Scottish kings. Mary, Queen of Scots, and her father, James V, were both born there. The castle was burned down in 1746. Extensive rebuilding has developed the town as a residence for commuters to the nearby industrial towns of Grangemouth and Bathgate. Its own industries include papermaking and whisky distilling. Linlithgow is the historic county town (seat) and one of the administrative centres of West Lothian. Pop. (2001) 13,370.