History, education and lots of family fun are on offer at the refurbished home of one of Scotland’s best-loved regiments, writes Susan Welsh
Just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Perth city centre is an oasis of calm where visitors can emerge themselves in hundreds of years of history.
Balhousie Castle, parts of which are said to date back to the 12th century, was an L-shaped tower house originally; what you see today is thought to be the central part, which dates from the 17th century.
Over the centuries, the castle itself has had a fascinating history. It has been a family home, convent and HQ for branches of the Army.
Following a major Army reorganisation in the 1960s, the Black Watch depot at the Queen’s Barracks was closed and regimental headquarters and the museum went to the castle, where they remain to this day.
Last year, the museum underwent an impressive, major redevelopment and now both the castle and museum have excellent family-friendly visitor facilities, including a good shop, excellent cafe and fantastic grounds.
The museum has fine collections of uniforms, paintings, medals, photographs, diaries, weapons and military equipment, which together with film and reminiscences bring to life the proud military heritage of this family regiment.
The collection contains significant items that have been gathered by the regiment throughout its history, right up to the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Current exhibitions include Scarlet Coats and Feather Bonnets (October 2014 until January 2015).
In the run-up to the 200th anniversary of the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo in 2015, this exhibition gives visitors a taste of the development of the iconic uniform worn by The Black Watch during the Napoleonic period.
Items from the reserve collection – including scarlet coats, feather bonnets and prints – illustrate the development of the uniform from the early 18th century through to the modern day.
Also running, until May 2015, is Sons of The Black Watch: Golf, a small exhibition which ties in with the Ryder Cup’s visit to Perthshire and features collections relating to golf within the regiment, including the personal collection of Freddie Tait, regimental cups and other memorabilia.
From Fontenoy to Fallujah, with Waterloo and two world wars in between, The Black Watch has been there when the world’s history has been shaped, and the collections on display reflect this.
These make for fascinating reading and viewing, so allow plenty of time if you want to absorb all the details.
A visit there begins with an introductory film which introduces visitors to the Black Watch and some of its key icons, such as the famous Red Hackle, name, badge and history.
There’s then seven chronological galleries to visit, starting with the early years, 1725-45, and finishing with the present day.
The tour continues with themed galleries which look at everything from a day in the life of a soldier to medals and remembrance.
Throughout the year, there’s a host of events taking place. including a family workshop using air-drying clay to make a memorial on October 16; a drop-in craft afternoon on October 18; and On October 23,Today, there is a family workshop looking at old artefacts, the dangers faced by ageing objects and what it is that makes them look old, before having a go at creating fake “old” objects.
Over the next few years, there will also be a wide range of opportunities and events to commemorate the Great War of 1914-1918.
As well as having a new cafe with family options on offer, the grounds are open to the public and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. The castle is also next to the North Inch park, which has a superb play area.
FACT BOX
What: The Black Watch Castle and Museum
Where: Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth PH1 5HR.
When: Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry to museum 4pm; galleries close 4.45pm), Sunday 10am-4pm (last entry to Museum 3pm; galleries close 3.45pm)
Cost: Adults £7.50, concession £6, children £3.50, flexible family ticket (max two adults) £15. Free admission to members of the Black Watch Association, serving Black Watch Battalion and serving Royal Regiment of Scotland and Friends of the regiment.
Contact: 01738 638152 or www.theblackwatch.co.uk