The stark, ship-like bulk of Blackness Castle has served as a royal residence, prison for Covenanters, ordnance depot, military barracks, and youth hostel. It is sited on a rocky outcrop near the mouth of the Firth of Forth. The tower stands inside a ship-shaped curtain wall of 16th century construction. There is another tower at the landward end, and a rectangular tower bastion in the "bow". The castle resembles nothing more than a large battleship ready to sail out to sea.
Blackness was built in the 1440s by Sir George Crichton. He was governor of Stirling Castle when lord Douglas was murdered there by James II in 1452. In 1453, Sir Crichton handed over Blackness to the king. Seemed a prudent thing to do! The castle was an important part of Linlithgow. It was first mentioned as a prison in 1449, but the lands were owned by the Viponts since 1200. The castle was burned by an English fleet in 1481, and was the meeting place in 1488 between James II and the rebel nobles.
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Various views of Blackness Castle
It is a very peaceful location
River Forth with the Forth Rail Bridge & Ben Lomond in the distancel
