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Blackness Castle (HS)

Linlithgow

One of the most formidable strongholds in Scotland, Blackness Castle stands on a narrow spit of rock jutting out into the Firth of Forth. Built in the 1440s by Sir George Crichton, it was annexed by James II and has been a royal castle ever since. It was massively strengthened as an artillery fortress in the 16th century. The castle was used as a state prison. Many of its inmates, mostly political prisoners, were men of rank and consequence. During the French Wars, between 1759 and 1815, French prisoners of war were also held here.In 1870 the castle became the principal ammunition depot for Scotland. The whole of the central courtyard was roofed in and a pier was built out into the Forth. Shop, picnic area.

Opening Times

All year: March – September, Monday – Sunday, 9.30am – 6.30pm. October – March, Saturday – Wednesday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Closed Thursday and Friday. Closed 25th, 26th December and 1st, 2nd January.