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

Name: The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Address: Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, PH15HR, GB
Telephone: +441738638152
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.8

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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

04/07/2026

Have you explored the Castle Gift Shop recently?

Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift, a souvenir from your visit or simply treating yourself, there's plenty to discover.

Browse a carefully selected range of jewellery, homeware, Scottish gifts, local food and drink, greetings cards and seasonal collections. You'll also find the Black Watch Corner, featuring clothing, books and a wide selection of Black Watch-inspired gifts and regimental merchandise.

Whether you're visiting the Museum, stopping by the Bistro or simply passing through Perth, why not take a few minutes to explore the shop? You never know what you might find.

Every purchase also helps support the charitable work of The Black Watch Regimental Trust.

02/07/2026

Looking for family-friendly activities this summer?

Join us every Tuesday, starting on 14th July, throughout the school holidays for our Summer activities, Journey Through Black Watch History. A series of themed summer activity days where children can get hands-on with history through object handling sessions and drop-in crafts inspired by 300 years of The Black Watch.

Each week explores a different period of the Regiment's history, from its Highland origins through to the First and Second World Wars, giving families something new to discover every time they visit.

📆 Every Tuesday from 14th July - 18th August
⏰ Available from 10am–2pm
🎟 Included with standard Museum admission

Even better, every Museum ticket is 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 turn up on the day or book your Museum admission online in advance.

For more information visit our website: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/journey-through-black-watch-history-with-summer-activities/

29/06/2026

For this month's Explore Your Archive theme, , we’re sharing this picturesque card which was to sent by Cpl Tom Fotheringham to his wife, sending her birthday wishes on 10 August 1943.

The message reads:
‘Loving Birthday wishes deep within my heart are loving thoughts of you and in this simple way I send my wishes true. May peace and happiness be near to the one I love so dear. Tom’.

As noted in the top left corner of the postcard, “Kriegsgefangenenlager” (German for Prisoner of war camp) indicates that this was sent while Fotheringham was being held as a prisoner of war in Stalag 383, a camp in Hohenfels, Bavaria.

The bright colours and heartfelt message would have been intended to reassure his wife and family back home. It wasn’t until two years later, on the 24th April 1945, that Stalag 383 would be liberated by the US army.

27/06/2026

Today is . We take this moment to recognise and thank the men and women who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

25/06/2026

The Great British Summer Savings scheme starts today at The Black Watch Castle and Museum running from Thursday 25 June to 1 September 2026.

Visitors can enjoy a 12% reduction on standard Museum admission tickets throughout the summer holidays, along with reduced pricing on children’s meals in the Bistro @ the Castle.

It is a great time to visit as all standard admission tickets continue to be upgraded to a 12 month Annual Pass at no additional cost. This means you can return as often as you like within a full year from your visit and enjoy the Museum again and again for the price of a reduced ticket.

This summer also brings a programme of family activities included with admission. Every Tuesday from 14 July to 18 August visitors can take part in drop in craft sessions and object handling experiences designed to bring the history of The Black Watch to life.

Once you have purchased your museum ticket you can enjoy all activities during summer at no extra cost.

Plan your visit today and discover 300 years of history at The Black Watch Castle and Museum.

For more information on the scheme visit: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/great-british-summer-savings/

24/06/2026

Please note that The Black Watch Castle and Museum will be closed all day on Friday 26 June due to a private event taking place.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

We will reopen as normal from 9:30am on Saturday 27 June and look forward to welcoming visitors back then.

For any enquiries, please contact us on 01738 638152.

23/06/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for High Tea & History earlier this month. It was wonderful to welcome so many guests for an evening of history, conversation and great food.

If you missed out, there is one final opportunity to join us next week on Wednesday 1 July.

⏰ From 5:30pm (Museum open from 5pm)
🎟 £27.50 per person

Enjoy a 15-minute gallery talk of your choice, covering Empire, First World War or Second World War, before sitting down to a freshly prepared High Tea in the Bistro @ The Castle.

Your ticket also includes an Annual Museum Pass, allowing you to return and explore the Museum for a full year.

Booking closes this Friday at 4pm, so be sure to reserve your place before then.

Advance booking is required: https://bit.ly/4177R3K

19/06/2026

Looking for a way to treat your dad this Father's Day?

Why not browse the Castle Gift Shop for some last-minute gift inspiration, or treat him to a delicious Sunday lunch in the Bistro. To reserve a table, call 01738 638152 (Option 2).

From the perfect Father’s Day card to a thoughtful gift, you'll find plenty of ideas in store. Choose from Aberfeldy Whisky, Black Watch tartan beer and can covers, Bridgewater pens, Arran products and glassware featuring The Black Watch regimental badge.

You can also explore the Black Watch Corner, home to a range of Black Watch-inspired gifts including clothing, accessories, books and more.

Pop in and browse the range before Father's Day. We will be closed on Saturday 20th June from 11:30am for The Black Watch Association Reunion.

18/06/2026

in 1815 The Battle of Waterloo took place in Belgium.

Part of The Duke of Wellington’s army, the 42nd and 73rd regiments were engaged in this final action. The 42nd suffered the loss of 5 men killed and 45 wounded. Napoleon was defeated and this was the beginning of a period of peace in Europe.

This record from the museum archive certifies that Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Robert Henry Dick of the 42nd was severely wounded in the right shoulder “in Action with the Enemy at WATERLOO on the 16th day of June 1815”. As we know, the Battle of Waterloo was two days later on the 18th of June, so this refers to the preliminary Battle of Quatre Bras on the 16th of June. Despite his severe wounds, Dick was present at Waterloo. In reward, Dick’s commission to Lieutenant Colonel was antedated to the battle date of Waterloo.

A further letter from the Waterloo Subscription Committee awarded £150 to Lt Col Dick. These records are the only instance of Waterloo Subscription papers held in the museum archive.

16/06/2026

Please note that The Black Watch Castle and Museum will be closed to the public from 11:30am on Saturday 20 June due to The Black Watch Association Reunion taking place.

We are pleased to welcome members of The Black Watch Association and their families back to Balhousie Castle for this year’s reunion in Perth. A chance to reconnect, share stories and reflect on shared service, the day brings together those who served in The Black Watch and beyond.

Did you serve, and who did you serve with, who was before you and who followed, when did you last see them. Reach out, get in touch, and make the call or send the message. Arrange to meet up at this year’s reunion.

🕛 1:30 PM - Form-up on Rose Terrace and at 1:45PM the March steps off to Balhousie Castle. All members who served wearing the red hackle are invited to march from Rose Terrace. Families and those unable to march, head straight to the castle.
👥 2 PM - Reunion at Balhousie Castle.

🎼 This year’s parade will be led by The Black Watch Pipes and Drums.
🎖 No dress code, but wear your red hackle or headdress with pride.
🍔 Food and beverage will be on sale for the Reunion at Balhousie Castle.
📚 Available to buy will be the newest book by Dr Fraser Brown, The Black Watch From the Crimea to Coomasie & Beyond.

Let’s come together to commemorate, celebrate, and reconnect.

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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