Blackness Castle

©Crown Copyright Reproduced Courtesy of Historic Scotland

Blackness Castle, Blackness, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7NH.

Blackness Castle was built in the 15th Century by the Crichton family who were one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Its prominent position on a peninsula jutting out into the Firth of Forth commands extensive views up and down the coast. Legend has it that the Crichton's had asked permission from the English to build a castle to defend the Firth and they were told to build a ship instead. Naturally, the English were ignored and the castle was built seemingly by an architect with a sense of humour as the design strongly resembles that of a medieval ship.

In the 16th Century, the castle's fortifications were greatly improved and it became a formidable artillery fortification before taking heavy damage at the hands of Cromwell's army. Following some restoration, Blackness Castle has been used over the years as a garrison fortress, a prison and an amunition depot before being taken into the care of Historic Scotland. Today visitors can learn much about the castle's history and enjoy wonderful views of the Fife coast and Forth bridges.

Opening Times:

1st Apr-30th Sep	9:30-18:30	Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1st Oct-31st Mar	9:30-16:30	Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
1st Jan-2nd Jan	Closed	New Year
25th Dec-26th Dec	Closed	Christmas Holidays

Note: summer - last admission 18.00 winter - last admission 16.00
Opening times listed were correct at the time of entry but should be checked before departure.

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