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

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 br

ings 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

22/08/2026

Last chance to visit our temporary exhibition Highland Laddies, which closes on 30 August.

Highland Laddies tells the story of some of the youngest soldiers to have served in The Black Watch. From the 18th and 19th centuries through to the First World War, boys enlisted in the Regiment as drummer boys, buglers, stretcher bearers and, in some cases, front-line soldiers. The exhibition also explores the wider context of enlistment ages, both then and now.

While developing the exhibition, we searched our photograph archive for images of boys who served in The Black Watch throughout its history. One photograph identified two boys simply as “Boy G. Blair” and “Boy H. Wynd”.

Through further research, we have been able to uncover more about the life and service of Harry Wynd.

Read our latest blog to discover the story behind the photograph and learn more about Harry’s time with The Black Watch during the First World War.

👉 Read the blog: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/blog/black-watch-history/from-boy-to-soldier-the-story-of-harry-wynd/

20/08/2026

Step back in time for an afternoon of music, memories and nostalgia.

Join us on Thursday 24 September at 2pm as Michael Ellacott returns to The Black Watch Castle and Museum for another Sing-Along, bringing to life much-loved WW1 wartime songs including Keep the Home Fires Burning, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kitbag.

Whether you sing along or simply enjoy listening, this special afternoon offers the chance to enjoy familiar songs in the company of others, alongside a traditional afternoon tea served in the Museum.

Enjoy freshly made sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and cream, sweet treats, and tea or coffee while you sit back and enjoy an afternoon of music and conversation.

Places are limited and advance booking is recommended. Secure your place today:
https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/ww1-sing-along-with-michael-ellacott/

17/08/2026

At just 17 years old, Private Donald Pyott was killed in action during the First World War at the Battle of Aubers Ridge on 9 May 1915.

He was killed alongside his friend, Private James Ross, who was also only 17 years old. Despite regulations stating that soldiers under the age of 19 should not serve on the front line, both boys were there with the knowledge that they were underage.

Donald was serving alongside his father, Sergeant Major Donald Pyatt. In the official history of the battalion, General Wauchope records that after the battle, as the men gathered to bury their dead, 'Sergeant -Major Pyatt... put (up) a white cross for his boy'.

Today, Donald and James are commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial in France, two of the 351 Black Watch soldiers who died that day in 1915 and for whom no individual grave exists.

This photograph and Donald’s medals are currently on display in our Highland Laddies temporary exhibition, where you can discover more stories of the young men who served with The Black Watch.

Last chance to visit the exhibition as it closes on 30th August.

14/08/2026

Looking for a more private setting for your next event or meeting?

The Wavell Room offers a character-filled space on the upper floor of The Black Watch Castle and Museum, overlooking the North Inch and providing a more intimate setting for smaller gatherings.

For private events, the room is ideal for family dinners, anniversaries and business celebrations, with the option to enjoy a drinks reception in the Museum galleries before sitting down to dinner.

The room can also be arranged for meetings, providing a private and focused setting for smaller groups, executive meetings and interviews.

Whether you’re planning a private dinner or looking for somewhere away from the usual meeting room, the Wavell Room offers a setting with a little more character.

Find out more about venue hire and our event spaces on our website: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/venue-hire/

11/08/2026

The suspects are waiting…but can you uncover the truth?

Join us on Friday 11 September for Mind Your Manors, an interactive Murder Mystery Evening at The Black Watch Castle and Museum.

Step into Cluckington Hall, where Lord Cluckington’s latest work of art is about to be unveiled. But with secrets being kept, Dove the maid acting suspiciously and Arthur the art connoisseur hiding something, the evening quickly becomes a mystery for you to unravel.

Gather your team, put your detective skills to the test and question the suspects as the story unfolds around you.

Your evening includes:
🥂 Drinks reception
🍽️ Three-course dinner in the Queen Mother Room
🎭 Interactive Murder Mystery performance by Scotland’s leading murder mystery company, Can You Catch the Killer

Fancy dress inspired by the theme is encouraged but not essential.

Starts at 7pm
Tickets: £60 per person
Book your place: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/mind-your-manors-murder-mystery/

Will you solve the case?

07/08/2026

Would you have taken a dip in the Chenab River?

This photograph from our archive shows a group of soldiers doing exactly that over 100 years ago, in June 1926.

The photograph belonged to ‘Sandy’ Irvine, who spent six years serving with the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch in the Punjab Province of British India (now Pakistan and India) during the 1920s before returning to the UK in 1927.

Irvine later joined the Territorial Army in Dundee before serving with the 4th Battalion, The Black Watch during the Second World War. He served in Normandy and was stationed in Gibraltar during 1943.

He was awarded several medals for his service, including the 1939–45 Star, Defence Medal, 1939–45 War Medal and Territorial Efficiency Medal.

04/08/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Michael Ellacott back to The Black Watch Castle and Museum this September for another afternoon of music, singing and afternoon tea.

Join us on Thursday 24 September for a WW1 Sing-Along, featuring well-loved wartime songs including Keep the Home Fires Burning, It's a Long Way to Tipperary and Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kitbag.

Whether you enjoy singing along or simply listening, spend the afternoon in good company while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with freshly made sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and cream, sweet treats, and tea or coffee.

⏰ 2pm–4pm
🎟 £30 per person

Advance booking is recommended as places are limited. Book your place today: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/ww1-sing-along-with-michael-ellacott/

01/08/2026

Looking for a new everyday bag or the perfect summer accessory?

We have recently added a beautiful selection of new bags and purses to the Castle Gift Shop, available in Islander tartan and navy-beige tartan designs. Alongside these, we have a small selection of handwoven reed crossbody bags and lightweight mini straw satchels, perfect for summer days out.

Our popular Black Watch tartan range of bags and matching purses has also been restocked, with a selection of styles perfect for everyday use.

Whether you're searching for a practical everyday bag, a thoughtful gift or simply fancy treating yourself, pop into the Castle Gift Shop to browse the full range. Our new summer arrivals are available in store only.

30/07/2026

We’re halfway through our Journey Through Black Watch History activities!

A big thank you to everyone who has joined us so far during our summer activity days and explored different periods of The Black Watch’s history through object handling and crafts.

There’s still plenty of time to join us every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays, with three more themed days to discover:

📅 4 August – First World War (1914–1918)
Create your own paper plate trench scene and handle objects connected to the lives and experiences of Black Watch soldiers during the First World War.

📅 11 August – Second World War (1939–1945)
Make your own Chindit supply drop parachute and discover more about The Black Watch’s role in campaigns across Europe, North Africa and Asia.

📅 18 August – Post War (1945–2006)
Create your own paper Glengarry and explore how The Black Watch continued to serve around the world while maintaining its traditions.

Activities run every Tuesday from 10am–2pm and are included with standard Museum admission.

Children’s admission is £4.85 per child, with every ticket automatically upgraded to an Annual Pass, meaning you can return throughout the summer holidays and enjoy every themed activity day at no extra cost.

No booking is required. Simply purchase Museum admission on arrival.

Find out more: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/journey-through-black-watch-history-summer-activities/

27/07/2026

Have you visited The Black Watch Castle and Museum?

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Balhousie Castle in the heart of Perth, the Museum tells the 300 year history of The Black Watch through galleries, objects and personal stories.

Whether you're discovering the Museum, browsing the Castle Gift Shop, enjoying lunch in the Bistro or attending one of our events, there's plenty to explore during your visit.

We hope to welcome you soon.

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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