Background

The Black Watch Heritage Appeal

We need to raise in excess of £3,200,000 million to buy, endow and develop Balhousie Castle to provide a permanent home for the museum and archive of The Black Watch in Perth, the historic centre of the regimental recruiting area.

Please click here to view the Heritage Appeal brochure

Balhousie Castle

Balhousie Castle is a 19th century Grade B listed building, parts of which date from the 15th century.  It occupies a prominent position overlooking the North Inch, the River Tay and beyond towards Scone.  It has proved an excellent base for the regiment and its old comrades association, being in the heart of the traditional regimental recruiting area.

The museum is a popular attraction, drawing in a large number of visitors annually.  In recent years, the displays have been expanded and improved significantly through the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers.  We intend to build on their work by providing more space, new displays and better visitor facilities in line with contemporary expectations.

Our current lease from the Ministry of Defence, which could be terminated at just 6 months' notice, does not provide us with the security of tenure that we need in order to make the necessary investment and improvements with confidence.  The Regimental Trustees have therefore decided to purchase the Castle to secure a permanent home for the regiment.

The purchase of the Castle is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.  The Trustees intend to proceed as soon as possible thereafter with the development of Balhousie Castle not only as a first class museum but also as a research and educational centre, aiming to complete the improvements by 2010.

Click the image below to listen to an interview with Major David Noble and Garrison FM.