Blackness Castle, Linlithgow

Blackness Castle, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth was built by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s. At this time, Blackness was the main port serving the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, one of the main residences of the Scottish monarch. The castle, passed to King James II of Scotland in 1453, and has been crown property ever since.

It served as a state prison, holding such prisoners as Cardinal Beaton, and the 6th Earl of Angus.

Strengthened by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart in the mid 16th century, the castle became one of the most advanced artillery fortifications of its time in Scotland. One hundred years later, these defences failed to prevent Blackness falling to Oliver Cromwell in 1650. Some years after this siege, the castle was repaired, and again served as a prison and a minor garrison.

In 1693, the spur protecting the gate was heightened, and the Stern Tower shortened as a base for three heavy guns. Barracks and officers' quarters were added in the 1870s, when the castle was used as an ammunition depot, until 1912. The castle was briefly reused by the army during the First World War. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, in the care of Historic Scotland.

Blackness is often referred to as ‘the ship that never sailed’ because of its site, jutting into the Forth, and its long, narrow shape. The north and south towers are often named "stem" and "stern", with the central tower called the "main mast".

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am - 5.30 pm

1 October - 31 October
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

1 November - 31 March
Mon Tue Wed Sat Sun 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

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