Balhousie Castle, Perth, United Kingdom

Balhousie Castle was built in 1631, although its origins are believed to go back a further three hundred years. It originally served as the seat of the Earls of Kinnoull, and stood within a walled enclosure containing subsidiary buildings, orchards etc., on a terrace overlooking the North Inch. After falling into neglect in the early 19th century, the Castle was 'restored' (in fact, virtually rebuilt), and extensively remodelled on a larger scale between 1862 and 1864 in the Scottish Baronial style by the architect David Smart. No original features survive except for parts of the original rubble walls on the east side.

The Regimental Trustees of the Black Watch bought Balhousie Castle in January 2009 and it became the Regimental Headquarters and Museum of the regiment. The museum displays the history of the regiment from 1739 to the present. The Black Watch Heritage Appeal was launched in September 2009 allowing the regiment to raise in excess of £3.2 million to develop Balhousie Castle to provide a permanent home for the museum and archive of The Black Watch.

The castle contains No Surrender, a painting by Frank Feller (1848 – 1908), showing the aftermath of the Battle of Magersfontein (11 December 1899) in the Second Boer War.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Emily Beale (7 months ago)
Great place if you love your military history. Plenty to see, I'd recommend at least 2 hours. The cafe onsite is very welcoming and great value too.

Marion Mitchell (7 months ago)
As a wedding venue Balhousie Castle was amazing. We had the best day. Manageress Debbie and all her staff, waitresses and kitchen staff were excellent both in the planning and on the day. The food was by far the best we have ever had at any function. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful venue with great food and staff. We were blessed with fantastic weather for outside photos but we also had some lovely ones within the castle. Definitely a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amy May (8 months ago)
Fabulous morning out! A little cafe, we didn't eat in there so can't comment. A shop which sold some lovely items. A little play area outside perfect for the children. I was worried that it wasn't going to be fully child friendly but my god was I wrong. The gentleman at the entrance (We think his name is Jim) what an absolute gem! He made the little quiz sound super exciting and my two competitive children couldn't wait to get in and get started. Once completed the gentleman talked through a few little facts with them and made them feel like little super hero's finishing the quiz. As we aren't from Scotland he then recommended some places to visit. Our children are 10, 4 and 6 months. The place is pram friendly and most definitely child friendly. Every gallery had at least one little activity to do for the children aswell as the quiz. The actual museum was full of amazing facts. I would highly recommend! Thankyou for such a lovely morning!

Corinne Strachan (8 months ago)
What an enlightening experience learning all about Scotland's renowned Black Watch regiment this afternoon! We met some Lovely friendly staff that are full of historical knowledge about the history of the Black Watch. Museum is very well organized and every detail so thoughtfully included. There is also a pretty little gift shop and a cafe. My only regret is that we ran out of time before closing? Do yourself a favour and allot at least 2 hours to peruse through all the exhibits. Proud to know my fellow Canadians assisted the Black Watch. ?????????

Cassandra Schwark (9 months ago)
It's a great museum about the Black Watch. A lot of information about their history and involvement through the years. They have an interactive tour for children and a few dressup clothes. They even have tour guides in different languages. It was overall a good experience.

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