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:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Holly Musgrove (4 years ago)
Military museum with some interesting artefacts and quirky stories. The cafe has soy milk for drinks, but we didn't ask about food. Good way to spend a morning or afternoon (we went here in the morning and walked up Kinnoul Hill in the afternoon - a lovely day in all).

Richard Mailer (4 years ago)
Lovely cafe and shop. Social distancing measures are excellent and fantastic Black Watch Castle perspex screens! Oh, and the haggis roll was just great...

Danny Harrison (4 years ago)
Lovely set up, very interesting museum all together. Lovely cafe as well. Well worth a visit

lan Sturrock (4 years ago)
Was give a present for a breakfast and guided tour of this historic military tribute to the Black Watch. On entering the front door we were warmly greeted BY JIM. After being lead to our reserved table, the lovely lady told us our preorded breakfast was been prepared. Breakfast and cuppa was totally hot fresh and enjoyable. Thanks to the cook. After all wee top up of drinks, we were taken and introduced to Jim. Our tour guide. The tour was one of the best I have ever had. From the beginning to the end we had a fantastic insight to the Black Watch, Jim's knowledge was outstanding and given in a variety of different languages. The speed of the tour was perfect and totally informative and amazing. War is not a subject that suits all. But Jim's understanding of this subject and sense humanity was very much appreciated. This is a place that holds many stories and will take a few visits to complete to understand the importance and respect to all who have fallen. We left this place with a better understanding and sence of pride to those who gave their lives. Thank you all for the the dedication and time to allow us the name Black Watch.

Denise Watson (4 years ago)
Had a catch up with friends. Absolutely lovely meals and drinks. Service is superb even had the chef bringing our coffees out! Staff are very good, nothing is any bother for them. We will be back!

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The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

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