What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

The Black Watch Castle & Museum

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The Black Watch Castle & Museum

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Castle | Shop | Bistro | Museum
Our museum tells the story of The Black Watch Regiment from their formation in 1739 to their amalgamation in 2006.
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We are located on the edge of the North Inch in Perth with a free customer car park. The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a 5 star award winning visitor attraction located in the beautiful city of Perth, Scotland. The Black Watch Museum is housed within the historic Balhousie Castle, the origins of which are said to date back to the 12th century. A visit to the ancestral Home of The Black Watch brings this glorious Highland Regiment’s history vibrantly to life, through artefacts, personal stories and interactive displays. Relax and unwind in the welcome ambience of the Bistro @ The Castle. The seasonal menu offers an appealing selection of meals, snacks, soups, desserts and afternoon tea created with quality ingredients of local provenance. We also serve afternoon tea, traditional Sunday lunch, and offer evening dining during the Summer months. Browse the popular Castle Gift Shop to find a range of quality gifts, regimental memorabilia and branded products with an emphasis on providing an enjoyable shopping experience within a Scottish Castle. The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a unique and compelling location which can also host weddings, offer private dining, exclusive use of the Castle, group and bespoke tours. We look forward to welcoming you to the Home of The Black Watch

21/10/2026

Looking for somewhere to explore in Perth? Come and discover The Black Watch Castle and Museum.

Step inside Balhousie Castle and explore the Museum galleries, where you can discover the history of The Black Watch through objects, photographs, uniforms, medals and personal stories from those who served.

Want to find out more as you explore? Join one of our guided tours, led by a knowledgeable member of our team who will explore key objects, stories and exhibits that bring the Regiment’s history to life.

There’s also something new to discover. Our temporary exhibition, Sing, O Sad Heart: Hamish Mann: Poet, Playwright, Philosopher, explores the life and work of Second Lieutenant Alexander “Hamish” Mann through his poetry, plays, letters, diaries and personal writings.

And when you visit, your Museum admission ticket is automatically upgraded to an Annual Pass at no extra cost. So you can return throughout the year and continue exploring the Museum, exhibitions and activities.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been before, there’s always something new to discover. We look forward to welcoming you.

Visit our website for more information and to book tickets: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/

19/10/2026

🎄 Christmas is coming to The Black Watch Castle and Museum!

We have two festive events coming up this December, as well as our monthly lecture, offering something for all ages.

🎅 Winter Festival | Saturday 5 December | 10am–4pm
Join us for a festive family day with Santa tours through the Museum, Elf Training Workshops, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, a festive trail and hands-on object handling.

🎟️ £7.50 per person | £27.50 family ticket
Pre-booked sessions run throughout the day.

🎶 Christmas Sing-Along & Lunch with Michael Ellacott | Monday 21 December | 1pm–4pm
Enjoy an afternoon of much-loved Christmas songs and carols with Michael Ellacott, alongside a delicious two-course Christmas lunch.

🎟️ £35 per person

📖 Monthly Lecture | Tuesday 8 December | 6.30pm–8pm

Join Professor Ali M Ansari for The Iran-US War: A Delicate Balance Of Irrationality?, exploring the long-running confrontation between Iran and the United States and the role of ideology, mistrust, emotion and asymmetric power.

Whether you’re looking for a festive family day out, an afternoon of Christmas music and lunch, or an evening of history and discussion, there’s plenty to look forward to this December.

🎟️ Find out more and book your tickets: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/product-category/events-lectures/

17/10/2026

As Remembrance approaches, discover our selection of poppy-themed items in the Castle Gift Shop and online.

From poppy brooches, earrings, cufflinks and pin badges to magnets, mugs, candles, tea light holders and plates, there’s plenty to choose from.

We also have a selection of poppy scarves, with different designs and styles available to wear throughout the season.

Some of the collection is available to shop online too, so you can browse from home and find your favourites wherever you are.

Whether you’re looking for a poppy accessory to wear, a gift for someone else or something to keep for yourself, take a look at the collection in the Castle Gift Shop.

Visit us in-store or shop selected items online: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/product-category/poppy-gifts/

15/10/2026

What goes into creating a museum exhibition?

Our new temporary exhibition, Sing, O Sad Heart – Hamish Mann: Poet, Playwright, Philosopher, was the result of months of research, cataloguing, planning and collaboration.

In a new feature for Archives Hub, our Curator Fiona Connah takes a look behind the scenes at the process of creating the exhibition, from working through the 395 individual records in Hamish Mann’s archive to selecting the objects, writings and photographs that would tell his story.

The feature also explores how we hope to continue sharing Hamish’s poetry and writings through school workshops, events, performances and future projects.

Read the full feature on Archives Hub and discover more about the work that went into bringing Hamish Mann’s story and archive to life.

🔗 Read the full feature: https://blog.archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/2026/10/02/the-black-watch-museums-special-exhibition-sing-o-sad-heart/

Sing, O Sad Heart is currently on display at The Black Watch Castle and Museum and is included with standard Museum admission.

13/10/2026

Looking for something to do during the October holidays? Join us today for four themed activity days, inspired by the stories and objects in our collection.

🎨 Tuesday 13 October – Camouflage
Create a large camouflage collage and handle camouflage clothing, equipment and examples of different camouflage patterns.

🐾 Thursday 15 October – Animals
Make your own paper plate animal and discover the role of regimental mascots and animals in military history.

🎩 Tuesday 20 October – Military Hats
Create your own feather bonnet and explore different types of military headdress.

🎖️ Thursday 22 October – Cap Badges
Design your own cap badge and discover the symbols and meanings behind Black Watch and other military badges.

Morning session | 10.30am–12pm
Drop-in crafts, object handling and a tick and find trail.

Afternoon session | 1pm–2.30pm
Object handling and the tick and find trail.

Crafts are available during the morning session only.

All activities are included with standard Museum admission, and every Museum ticket is automatically upgraded to an Annual Pass, so you can come back for the other October Crafts days at no extra cost.

No pre-booking is required – simply come along and join in!

Find out more: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/october-crafts/

10/10/2026

Looking for somewhere to stop for lunch?

The Bistro @ The Castle has plenty to choose from, whether you’re looking for a light lunch, something a little more substantial or a sweet treat alongside your coffee.

One of our menu favourites is the Venison Cheeseburger, made with poacher’s pickle, crisp lettuce, tomato, gherkin and melted Monterey Jack cheese, served in a pretzel bun with house salad, coleslaw and crisps.

Pop into the Bistro during your next visit to The Black Watch Castle and Museum and see what takes your fancy from the menu.

To book a table in advance Call 01738 638152 (Option 2)

Photo taken by JJ Greig Photography

08/10/2026

We’re hiring!

We currently have three roles available at The Black Watch Castle and Museum, across The Black Watch Association and our Bistro and Events team.

Regimental Secretary
An important role within The Black Watch Association, supporting its work with veterans, families and members, with a focus on welfare, comradeship and memorial activities.

Hours: 2 days per week (0.4 FTE)
Salary: £16,360 per annum

Bistro and Events Assistant Manager
A senior hospitality role supporting the management of our Bistro and Events operations, providing leadership and support to the Food & Beverage team and helping to maintain high standards of customer service and service delivery.

Hours: 35 hours per week, including regular weekend and evening work
Salary: £26,500 per annum, plus a share of any gratuities
Location: Bistro and Events spaces, Balhousie Castle, Perth
Job type: Full-time, permanent

Bistro Assistant / Duty Supervisor (occasional)
A customer-focused role within the Bistro, helping to deliver excellent service, support day-to-day operations and assist with events. The Duty Supervisor responsibilities include leading the Bistro team during shifts and helping to ensure smooth service.

Hours: 21 to 28 hours per week, including regular weekend work, with additional hours available for events and holiday cover
Pay: £13.45 per hour for Bistro Assistant shifts, or £14.10 per hour for Duty Supervisor hours, plus a share of any gratuities
Location: Bistro and Events spaces, Balhousie Castle, Perth
Job type: Part-time, permanent

If you’re interested in joining the team at The Black Watch Castle and Museum, find out more about all three positions and how to apply on Indeed: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/job-opportunities/

Applications should include a CV and covering letter.

06/10/2026

🍂 October Crafts start next week!

From camouflage to military animals, Highland headdress and regimental cap badges, each of our October activity days has a different theme inspired by the stories and objects in the Museum collection.

🎨 Tuesday 13 October – Camouflage
Create a large camouflage collage and handle camouflage clothing, equipment and examples of different camouflage patterns.

🐾 Thursday 15 October – Animals
Make your own paper plate animal and discover the role of regimental mascots and animals in military history.

🎩 Tuesday 20 October – Military Hats
Create your own feather bonnet and explore different types of military headdress.

🎖️ Thursday 22 October – Cap Badges
Design your own cap badge and discover the symbols and meanings behind Black Watch and other military badges.

Morning activities run from 10.30am–12pm, with drop-in crafts, object handling and a tick and find trail. Object handling and the trail are also available during the afternoon session from 1pm–2.30pm. Crafts are only available during the morning session.

All activities are included with standard Museum admission, and every Museum ticket is automatically upgraded to an Annual Pass, so you can return for the other activity days at no extra cost.

No pre-booking is required.

Find out more about our October Crafts: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/october-crafts/

03/10/2026

In our Archive this photograph shows a young Sergeant Clement acting as Pipe Major in Elgin in May 1946.

Clement had been learning the chanter since he was eight years old, and by the age of 17 he was asked to become Pipe Major of a small pipe band with the Perth Railway Home Guard. He also taught piping through the Boys’ Brigade.

He enlisted into The Black Watch in Perth on 14 May 1942 and, after basic training, was posted to the 10th Battalion at Alnwick. By late 1945, he had been promoted to Lance Corporal and later Pipe Sergeant, and was serving as Pipe Major of the 10th Battalion.

Piping remained a major part of Clement’s life. In 1947, he joined the Atholl Highlanders, where he served for 52 years, alongside a long career as a teacher and piping instructor. He continued teaching piping and Scottish country dancing after retiring from classroom teaching.

In 2008, Clement was awarded an MBE for services to piping and Scottish country dancing.

📸 Photograph from the collection of The Black Watch Castle and Museum.

29/09/2026

On Tuesday 10 November, join us at The Black Watch Castle and Museum for An Evening of Remembrance featuring archive readings from the extensive collection of Second Lieutenant Alexander “Hamish” Mann.

A talented poet and writer, Hamish Mann recorded his experiences of the First World War through poetry, letters and personal writings. His archive offers a personal insight into life on the Western Front, from the experiences of a young Black Watch officer to his thoughts and reflections during wartime.

During the evening, selected readings from his archive will bring his own words to life, accompanied by live music and an opportunity to pause and reflect.

The evening will begin with a pre-dinner drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal in the surroundings of the Bistro.

⏰ Starts at 7pm
🎟 £60 per person

Spaces are limited and tickets are now available to book.

Book your place: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/an-evening-of-remembrance/

Address

Balhousie Castle, Hay Street
Perth
PH15HR

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday	9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441738638152

Website

http://www.theblackwatch.co.uk/, https://theblackwatch.co.uk/support-us/, https://theblackwatch.co.uk/venue-hire/, https

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