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

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.

13/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for 300 Years of History today.

It was wonderful to see so many visitors enjoying the reenactors, military vehicles, Redcoat experience, crafts, tours and activities.

A special thank you to all the reenactors, volunteers, staff and organisations who helped make the day possible.

We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we enjoyed welcoming you to The Black Watch Castle and Museum.

12/06/2026

in 1962, Winston Churchill gave a £5 cheque to The Black Watch Wavell Appeal Fund.

Launched in 1962 to commemorate Field Marshal Lord Wavell and strengthen the links between The Black Watch and its wider regimental community, the Appeal attracted support from across military, political and cultural life.

Among the earliest donors were Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Colonel-in-Chief of The Black Watch, Lady Wavell and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Alongside Churchill, figures such as Clement Attlee and Anthony Eden contributed, while leading literary figures including T. S. Eliot, Siegfried Sassoon and Freya Stark also lent their support, reflecting the breadth of Wavell's influence and friendships.

Today, The Black Watch Castle and Museum continues to preserve and share the history of the Regiment while supporting the charitable aims of The Black Watch Regimental Trust.

If you would like to follow in Churchill's footsteps and support our work, visit https://theblackwatch.co.uk/support-us/ to discover the many ways you can help preserve the history and heritage of The Black Watch for future generations.

09/06/2026

Only a few days to go until 300 Years of History!

Join us this Saturday, 13 June, for a full day of living history as we celebrate 300 years since the formation of the independent companies.

Also joining us on the day are 3 SCOTS, who will be bringing equipment from recent operations for visitors to handle, alongside a portable exhibition in the Queen Mother Room exploring the 20-year history of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Perth and District Pipe Band and Pipe Major Alistair Duthie will help open the event at 11am. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see a US Army Jeep signed by Second World War veterans.

Alongside these special additions, you can meet reenactors from across the centuries, explore military vehicles, take part in a Redcoat drill experience, enjoy family-friendly crafts and trails, discover objects from the collection and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum archive.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, looking for a family day out or simply searching for something different to do this weekend, there's plenty to enjoy throughout the day.

⏰ 11am–3pm
🎟 £7 Child | £12 Adult | £35 Family Ticket
🎟 Includes full Museum access

Book now and join us for this special anniversary event: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/300-years-of-history/

06/06/2026

Looking for somewhere to enjoy lunch, coffee and cake in Perth?

Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a bite to eat after exploring the Museum, or simply looking for a relaxed place to stop, our Bistro offers a range of freshly prepared lunches, homemade bakes and hot drinks throughout the day.

Open daily from 9:30am–4pm, with last orders for food at 3pm.

To reserve a table call 01738 638152 (Option 2).

04/06/2026

This photograph was taken in July 1938 at the annual camp of the 6th/7th Battalion, The Black Watch at Barry Buddon in Angus.

The camp had a record attendance for the Battalion of 628 Other Ranks and featured the typical competitions and Highland Games, with some serious time also devoted to training as all ranks who attended were put through a tear gas training exercise.

Most of the men included in this photo are named, and the copy belonged to David Phin (lying at the front).

Phin came from Tayport and served in the Territorial Army prior to the Second World War. During wartime, he served in a home defence role in Britain for medical reasons and spent some time stationed in Shetland.

02/06/2026

It’s Volunteer Week!

We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers who play a vital role across The Black Watch Castle and Museum, supporting everything we do.

From greeting every visitor at front of house and supporting the gift shop, to leading guided tours, running educational workshops, conducting research, helping with events and looking after our grounds so that the Castle gardens are an enjoyable space for all.

We are extremely grateful for their time, enthusiasm and knowledge. Their support helps us share the story of The Black Watch and ensures we can continue delivering a welcoming and engaging experience for all our visitors.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in history, education, retail or meeting new people, there are a range of opportunities to get involved.

📩 Contact us at [email protected] to find out more.

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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