Summer Activities at The Black Watch Castle and Museum
Join us every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays as we explore different periods from The Black Watch’s history through themed object handling sessions and drop-in crafts.
From the regiment’s Highland origins through to the First and Second World Wars, each week offers families the chance to discover new stories, handle objects connected to the museum collection, and create themed crafts inspired by The Black Watch history.
Drop-in crafts and object handling sessions are available every Tuesday from 10am – 2pm throughout the summer holidays and the Museum galleries will be open throughout the day during normal opening hours.
All activities are included with standard museum admission.
Museum Admission & Annual Pass
Children’s museum admission is £5.50 per child and includes access to all summer activities taking place during your visit. Every museum ticket is automatically upgraded to an Annual Pass, giving unlimited museum entry for one year from the date of purchase.
This means families can return throughout the summer holidays and enjoy every themed activity day at no extra cost after their first visit.
No pre-booking is required. Simply purchase museum admission on arrival or book online in advance to take part. Existing Annual Pass holders can simply show their pass on arrival.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for both the museum and activities.
Summer Themes & Activities
Discover what’s happening each week throughout the summer holidays, from Highland traditions and historic battles to life during the First and Second World Wars. Each themed day includes a craft activity alongside object handling sessions inspired by the museum collection for that period of The Black Watch’s history.
14th July – Early Years (1725–1745)
Drop-In Craft: Highland Cow Hanger
In the early days of The Black Watch, soldiers were tasked with helping maintain order across the Highlands, including protecting communities from cattle rustling and raiding. Children will create their own Highland cow character inspired by the landscapes, traditions and communities that shaped the regiment’s origins.
Object Handling
Handle themed objects connected to the early history of The Black Watch and discover what life may have been like for Highland soldiers during the regiment’s formation in the eighteenth century.
21st July – French Wars (1745–1815)
Drop-In Craft: Make Your Own Regimental Flag
During the French Wars, regimental colours and flags were important symbols of pride and identity on the battlefield. Children can design and decorate their own regimental-style flag inspired by the banners carried by Highland soldiers during campaigns such as Egypt, the Peninsular War, and Waterloo.
Object Handling
Explore themed objects linked to The Black Watch during the French Wars and learn more about the soldiers, uniforms and campaigns that helped shape the regiment’s growing reputation.
28th July – Empire (1815–1914)
Drop-In Craft: Create Your Own Medal
As The Black Watch served across the world during the height of the British Empire, medals were awarded to recognise bravery, service and participation in major campaigns. Children will create and decorate their own military medal to take home.
Object Handling
Discover themed objects connected to The Black Watch’s service across the Empire and learn more about the experiences of soldiers stationed around the world during the nineteenth century.
4th August – First World War (1914 -1918)
Drop-In Craft: Paper Plate Trench Scene
The First World War saw soldiers spending long periods living and fighting in trenches across the Western Front. Children will create their own moving trench scene and soldier inspired by life in the trenches during the war.
Object Handling
Handle themed objects connected to the First World War and discover more about the daily lives, equipment and experiences of Black Watch soldiers during the conflict.
11th August – Second World War (1939 - 1945)
Drop-In Craft: Chindit Supply Drop Parachute
During the Second World War, Black Watch soldiers serving with the Chindits in Burma depended on supplies delivered by air into remote jungle locations. Children will build and test their own parachute inspired by these important airborne supply drops.
Object Handling
Explore themed objects connected to the Second World War and learn more about The Black Watch’s role in campaigns across Europe, North Africa and Asia.
18th August – Post War (1945 - 2006)
Drop-In Craft: Make Your Own Black Watch Glengarry
Following the Second World War, The Black Watch continued serving around the world while maintaining its strong regimental traditions and identity. Children will create their own wearable paper glengarry inspired by the famous Scottish military cap associated with Highland regiments.
Object Handling
Handle themed objects connected to the modern history of The Black Watch and discover how regimental traditions and military life continued to evolve in the post-war years.
Visit Us
Step inside over 300 years of Black Watch history in the heart of Perth. Explore historic galleries, discover real objects from the regiment’s past and enjoy a family-friendly museum experience set within the stunning grounds of Balhousie Castle.
Throughout the summer holidays, each Tuesday offers a new opportunity to get hands-on with history through themed crafts and object handling sessions designed for families and children of all ages.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning with your Annual Pass, there’s always something new to discover.