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

31/05/2026

Have you visited the Black Watch Corner of our Gift Shop?

Browse a wide range of Black Watch gifts and regimental-inspired items, including clothing such as hoodies, polo shirts and t-shirts featuring the embroidered regimental badge, alongside Black Watch tartan scarves and bags.

You’ll also find accessories and souvenirs including hats, cufflinks, Red Hackles, coasters and glassware, all inspired by the Regiment.

For those interested in the history of The Black Watch, we also stock a range of books exploring its past and heritage.

Whether you’re looking for a gift, a souvenir from your visit or something uniquely Scottish, there’s plenty to explore in store and online.

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

Pop in next time you visit or browse online: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/

29/05/2026

Looking for a family day out with something different this June?

Join us on Saturday 13 June for 300 Years of History at The Black Watch Castle and Museum, a full day of living history, interactive activities and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Meet reenactors from across the centuries, explore military vehicles, take part in a Redcoat drill session, discover objects from the collection and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities throughout the day.

With behind-the-scenes tours, crafts, trails and full Museum access included in your ticket, there’s plenty to explore throughout the day.

⏰ 11am–3pm
🎟 £7 Child | £12 Adult | £35 Family Ticket (Includes 2 adults and up to 4 children)

Tickets are available on our website: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/.../eve.../300-years-of-history/

27/05/2026

Have you seen this First World War great coat on display in our temporary exhibition, Highland Laddies?

This great coat belonged to Major Ronnie Proctor, who joined the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion in 1961 at just 15 years old.

The Battalion was created in 1952 to provide high quality training for young boys who had the potential to become first class NCOs and Warrant Officers. At the time of joining, recruits were issued uniform items that had been left over from the First World War, including great coats such as this.

Major Proctor went on to serve with The Black Watch for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1999. Following his military career, he became Curator of The Black Watch Museum for 11 years till 2011 and Assistant Regimental Secretary of The Black Watch Association.

He continues to support the Museum today as Honorary Curator and military advisor to the museum team, sharing his knowledge of both the Regiment and the collection and archive.

Included with your Museum ticket, come and visit the temporary exhibition: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/visit/

25/05/2026

Last chance to join us for High Tea & History next week!

Our next evening takes place on Wednesday 3 June, offering a unique combination of a short gallery talk and a freshly prepared High Tea in the Bistro @ The Castle.

Choose a 15-minute talk in the gallery of your choice, covering the French Wars, Empire, First World War or Second World War, before enjoying High Tea prepared by our chefs.

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

Each ticket also includes an Annual Museum Pass, giving you unlimited return visits for a full year.

If you can’t make this date, our final High Tea & History event will take place on Wednesday 1 July at 5:30pm.

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

23/05/2026

Looking for a place to stop for coffee and cake in Perth? ☕🍰

Why not visit the Bistro @ The Castle and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee alongside something from our cake and bakes selection.

Or, if you’re feeling a little more hungry, explore our lunch menu with a range of freshly prepared dishes.

Whether you’re visiting the Museum, meeting friends or simply passing through Perth, the Bistro is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy freshly prepared food and drink.

To reserve a table call 01738 638152 (Option 2)

21/05/2026

the Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan visited Perth in 1921, and received a Guard of Honour from Black Watch Reservists on arrival.

This visit, during which the 19-year-old royal met King George V in London, was the first time a Japanese Crown Prince had visited the West. He travelled through Perth on the way to Blair Atholl, where he was received with Highland hospitality by the Duke and Dutchess of Atholl.

The Black Watch Reservists taking part in the Guard of Honour had been recently mobilised in response to a major coal mining strike which began in April 1921. Many of them were veterans of the First World War who decided to re-enlist for a short time. They were commanded by Maj. Charles Henderson and Lt. Ernest Garvie on the day of the Crown Prince’s visit, with Lt P. W. Mackie carrying the King’s Colour.

18/05/2026

Today is International Museum Day so why not plan a visit or join one of our daily guided tours and discover the history of The Black Watch for yourself?

From uniforms, medals and weapons to letters, photographs and personal stories, the Museum shares over 300 years of regimental history through the people and objects connected to The Black Watch.

Behind the scenes, ongoing conservation, archive and research work helps preserve the collection and ensure these stories can continue to be shared with future generations. As an independent charity, preserving and promoting the history and ethos of The Black Watch remains an important part of our charitable mission.

Today is also an opportunity to thank our fantastic staff and volunteers whose hard work, knowledge and dedication make the Museum what it is. From caring for the collection and researching stories to welcoming visitors and supporting events, their contribution is at the heart of everything we do.

We would also like to thank everyone who visits, attends events, visits the bistro, shops with us or supports the Museum throughout the year. Every visit helps us continue sharing the story of The Black Watch.

Plan your visit: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/visit/

16/05/2026

🌼 Spring is still in full bloom at the Castle Gift Shop

Discover a lovely selection of new seasonal pieces, including bright orange jugs and plates, cheerful lemon cups and jugs and yellow or green striped cups, perfect for a hot cup of tea or coffee any time of day.

Whether you’re brightening up your kitchen, picking up a thoughtful gift or simply adding a touch of spring to your home, there’s plenty to explore.

Pop in and see what catches your eye, all items are available in store.

14/05/2026

Looking for something a little different for your next evening out?

Join us for High Tea & History at The Black Watch Castle & Museum, combining a short gallery talk with a freshly prepared High Tea in the Bistro.

Each ticket also includes an Annual Museum Pass.

Advance booking required: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/shop/events-lectures/high-tea-and-history/

12/05/2026

🏆 We’re delighted to share that The Black Watch Castle and Museum has once again been recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award!

This achievement places us among the top 10% of things to do worldwide and is based entirely on the experiences and reviews shared by our visitors.

Thank you to everyone who has visited, supported us and taken the time to leave such wonderful feedback. Every review, recommendation and visit helps others discover the Museum and the history of The Black Watch.

As an independent charity, every visit directly supports the work of The Black Watch Regimental Trust in preserving and sharing the history of the Regiment, while supporting veterans and their families.

We look forward to welcoming many more visitors through our doors.

Plan your visit: https://theblackwatch.co.uk/visit/

📷Image by JJGreig Photography

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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