Schools & Education
Welcome to the Schools and Education page for The Black Watch Castle and Museum, one of Scotland’s most powerful and engaging heritage learning environments. Located in the historic Balhousie Castle in Perth, our award-winning visitor attraction offers a unique opportunity to bring Scottish military history to life for learners of all ages. Through a combination of real artefacts, character-led storytelling, hands-on activities, and curriculum-aligned content, we provide schools with rich and meaningful educational experiences rooted in over 300 years of military and social history.
Whether you’re planning your first school trip, booking a return visit, or exploring outreach options for your classroom, you’ll find everything you need here. Our workshops are delivered by experienced museum educators and are designed to support the Curriculum for Excellence across multiple levels. They are interactive, student-led, and adaptable to suit your learners’ needs.
Why Choose The Black Watch Castle and Museum for Your School Visit?
Curriculum-Based
All workshops are linked to Curriculum for Excellence outcomes and tailored for Primary and Secondary groups. Activities are designed to challenge pupils at their level across Social Studies, Literacy, Expressive Arts and Health and Wellbeing.
Hands-On Learning
Our workshops are active and engaging, using hands-on methods to bring the past to life. Through role-play, object handling, storytelling and gallery-based tasks, pupils explore history in ways that build confidence, spark curiosity and strengthen understanding.
Affordable and Accessible
At only £5 per pupil, our workshops offer exceptional value. Free adult places are included, and a bursary fund is available to help with any costs.
Support Before and After
All teachers receive pre-visit materials and post-visit activity suggestions. Our Learning and Audiences Officer is available for pre-visit consultations.
We also offer a welcoming space for packed lunches, access to a nearby park for break time, and a designated education room for your group’s use.
About The Black Watch Museum
The Black Watch Museum is housed within Balhousie Castle, the origins of which are said to date back to the 12th Century. Raised in 1725, The Black Watch was an elite Regiment which served in the British Army since 1739, almost three centuries.
A visit to the ancestral home of The Black Watch brings this iconic Regiment’s past to life and offers an insight into a range of themes including:
- How we can use primary sources to understand the past.
- The personal experiences of soldiers and their families.
- Scotland’s relationship with cultures from around the World.
- The wars and conflicts which helped to shape Scotland.
- The significance of technological advances through history.
- The expression of Scotland’s cultural identity in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Plan Your Visit FAQ
Coach & Mini-bus Parking
- Free on-site parking is available. Please request when booking.
Lunch & Facilities
- A designated room is available for packed lunches.
- Time will be provided for outdoor breaks in the nearby park.
Toilets & Supervision
- Students must be supervised during toilet breaks (3 pupils at a time max).
- Teachers and leaders are responsible for behaviour and supervision throughout the visit.
Accessibility
- Most areas are accessible. If you have specific access requirements, please get in touch ahead of your visit.
Group Sizes
- Standard workshops accommodate up to 30 pupils.
- Larger groups can be accommodated via rotation.
Cost and Booking
- Pupil admission: £5 per student
- Accompanying adults: Free
- Bursary support: Available for schools with financial constraints
To Book Your Visit
To book your visit, complete the School Enquiry Form below or download the booking form here and send it via email.
Email: learning@theblackwatch.co.uk
Phone: 01738 638152
Address: Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, PH1 5HR