Thursday March 19th 2026
The former British Linen Bank, in the heart of the conservation area of Linlithgow will be allowed new signs to replace these temporary ones
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
A Linlithgow hotel has won planning permission for discrete signage in the heart of the ancient burgh.
Local councillor, Labour veteran Tom Conn questioned planners’ rejection of signs on the Linen Bank Residence, a hotel which sits opposite the Burgh Halls.
And backed a proposal by the SNP’s Willie Boyle that the proposed 1.4m signs be reduced in size and repositioned. Listed building and Advertising consent was granted.
The copper plate signs will replace banners which have advertised the business housed in the former British Linen Bank at 89-91 High Street, a Victorian block in the centre of the town .
More recently the building was used as council offices. Papers presented to the Development Management Committee said: “The building at present operates as a hotel, with 18 studio rooms with en-suites, and occupies a prominent position within the High Street, directly opposite the Linlithgow Burgh Halls and The Cross.
“The building’s visibility is further emphasised by the demolition of the previous bus depot to the east, and the set back positioning of the flats at Templars Court.”
The papers added: “The proposed signs are to replace the unauthorised banner signs that were temporarily displayed at the site.”
Planning officer Gillian Cyphus told the meeting: “The signage, by virtue of its scale, positioning and design, is not in keeping with other signage found on properties along the High Street, and the works do not integrate with the traditional appearance of the listed building.
“The internal illumination is contemporary and, does not reflect the character and setting of this historic building.”
She added: “The works detract from the appearance and character of the listed building itself, and the wider conservation area, and will have a detrimental visual impact on this prominent building within the High Street.”
Councillor Conn pointed to the fact that as a former bank it had carried signage, and the remnants of the original signs were retained on the building.
He also pointed to other buildings in the High Street which had much more garish advertising including bright colours in neon – some permitted and some not.
Mrs Cyphus agreed that the proposals “were not among the worst” but added that it was important to reinforce planning laws on appearances, advertising and listed buildings.
Chair of the meeting Councillor Harry Cartmill described the building as the “third easiest to find in Linlithgow” after the former County Buildings and the Burgh Halls and wondered why it needed to have signs.
“It’s one of the most prominent buildings in Linlithgow. Nowadays we book online and we see a picture of the building. Arguably outside County Buildings and the Burgh Halls it might be the easiest building to find in Linlithgow so I’m struggling a wee bit as to why you want this signs so much. Do you think it might improve the building?”
An agent for the hotel said it was commercially important and gave credibility to the business and was vital. He pointed out that many guests would not know the town. Some guests would be from abroad, would hire cars and not have experience of driving on the wrong side of the road.
Councillor Willie Boyle said he agreed with the proposals but suggested reducing the size to about 1m square instead of 1.4m
“I couldn’t have told you it was a hotel,” he told the meeting. “I can understand why they would draw attention to the business. It makes sense for the signage.
“The warning sign in one of the pictures stands out far more than the existing colours. We need to be sensible.” He described the sign which features a flax plant, the sign of the former British Linen Bank as a “symbol rather than advertising.”
Fellow SNP councillor Pauline Clark disagreed. Pointing to the beauty of the architecture of the building she said signage was not necessary “Sometimes less is more,” she said.
Councillor Cartmill agreed. He moved to refuse planning permission,
Councillor Conn argued that building may be well known to locals, but few visitors would recognise that what is now the Tam Dalyell House, the town’s council Partnership Centre used to be known as County Buildings. He moved to grant planning permission, which won a vote.
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