Information

 

The Black Watch Museum

Housed in historic Balhousie Castle, which was originally a 15th century fortified tower house, the Regimental Museum of the Black Watch stands in its own grounds besides the North Inch in Perth.

The Collection
The collection consists of two and a half centuries of treasures of Scotland's oldest Highland Regiment. Uniforms, fine paintings, medals, photographs, weapons and military equipment bring to life the proud, military heritage of this family Regiment. 164 Battle Honours and 14 Victoria Cross Winners bear witness to the courage of the officers and soldiers.

In War and Peace
For over 250 years, from 1739, The Black Watch has served the nation in peace and war and during your visit you can experience the sight and sounds of the battle brought to life by dioramas and the personal reminiscences of veterans reaching back to 1914. Over 50,000 officers and men served in the Regiment from 1914-1918 of whom 8,000 lost their lives, and 20,000 were wounded.The Lost Generation Gallery stands as a memorial to these men.The names of all Black Watch men who have fallen in the service of their Country from 1914 to 2006 are also recorded in the Museum and can be accessed by visitors wishing to trace their Black Watch ancestry.

Balhousie Castle

Royal Patronage
The Regiment enjoyed a close and abiding relationship with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother who was the Colonel in Chief from 1937 until her death in 2002, a period of 65 years. Unique portraits and many photographs are on display in a room dedicated to the Regiment's Royal patrons.

American Connections
The Black Watch have had strong connections with North America since 1756 and you will hear unique recordings of a concert performed by the Band and Pipes and Drums of the Regiment at the White House in November in 1963, nine days before the assassination of President Kennedy.

World Renown
From the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 to the Battle for Falujah in 2004, Black Watch Soldiers have served in all major Theatres of War and operations the British Army has faced. For many years the officers and soldiers have been drawn mainly from Angus, Fife, Dundee, and Perthshire and have worn the iconic Red Hackle with pride. 

Opening Times
May to September : Monday-Saturday : 10.00am-4.30pm (Except on the last Saturday in June)
October to April : Monday-Friday: 10.00am-3.30pm
(Closed 20 December-5 January inclusive)

Distances from Balhousie Castle (In Miles)
Arbroath 41
Blairgowrie 16
Crieff 17
Dundee 25
Dunkeld 15
Edinburgh 42
Glasgow 60
St Andrews 32
Stirling 33

The Museum has a well stocked shop but because of the nature of the building disabled access is limited. Please phone for advice.
Children are very welcome and activities are available.
Entry is Free, but donations are gratefully received.

Contact Information
The Museum of the Black Watch
Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, PH1 5HR
T: 01738 638152

www.theblackwatch.co.uk More information on the Black Watch
email The Black Watch Museum

www.scottishmilitaryheritage.com More information on Scottish Military Heritage