Blackness Castle

It's been a long time since my last blog post due to work and other personal commitments but I'm back again to continue this look at Scotland's vast treasures.  This post brought me to Blackness Castle in West Lothian situated in the quaint village of....you guessed it...Blackness!

This was quite an impromptu expedition spurred on by a phone call from a friend.  I hold my hands up and admit that I had never been to Blackness in my life before so this was an intriguing adventure.  I wasn't sure what to expect since the castle is only about 20 minutes from where I live, yet I had heard so little about it.

 

The castle was built in the 15th century as a defensive fortress strategically located on the banks of the Firth of Forth.  Nicknamed "the ship that never sailed", due to it's appearance from above and internal towers resembling three masts, any naval attacks coming through the estuary would have to deal with this formidable obstacle.

It was utilized in various roles throughout the centuries including a prison and during the last century as an ammunition depot. 

Pier and dock leading to drawbridge

Inside the main courtyard you can move freely between the internal buildings but watch your step if it has been raining, there are several areas that have been left as bare rock.  Be prepared to climb a lot of spiral steps to enter each chamber within the central tower.

The darkness quickly descended while we were there so unfortunately, we weren't able to explore all of the buildings.

Looking down from the central tower to my friend below

It is possible to walk the complete length of the ramparts and take in some excellent views across the Forth and beyond, but we arrived fairly late in the evening so there wasn't time on this occasion. 

Visiting Blackness Castle is a must for anyone interested in Scottish History.  The castle and general area tends to be very peaceful (speaking from this December visit), ideal for reflection and feeling what it must have been like as a soldier, or possibly a prisoner, on this "ship". 

Blackness Castle at twilight

The castle and grounds are open during the following times. 

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

October
1 October - 31 October , Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
Winter
1 November - 31 March , Mon Tue Wed Sat Sun, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

There is an entry fee to the castle which can be paid at the visitors office located in the old barracks building to the right of the car park. 

Cairnpapple Hill - Bathgate Hills

For my first outing and blog here I thought I'd go back to the start. One of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland dating back 5,000 years.

Cairnpapple Hill is located in the Bathgate Hills, West Lothian.  Being from the local area myself, it's not hard to find and is well signposted.  Several twisty, often steep back roads lead you to the area and you catch a glimpse of the site before dipping back down to an area which I've been told used to be a silver mine.  Parking is quite limited at the site but there are a few car parks nearby if you don't mind walking a little.

As I climbed the stairs at the entrance of the site, I could feel a sense of why this area was so important to the tribes when the henge was constructed.  The sun was shinning on this very chilly January day with an extra nip supplied by the gusty wind but the views during the ascent were excellent.  The Pentland Hills over my left shoulder, Fife on my right and the top of the mound popping up as I got closer.

Several visitors were already walking around taking in the sights while exploring the ancient site when I arrived, even though the mound is not open to the public during the winter months.  Take time to read the information boards and imagine the people who used this area possibly as a meeting area as well as a resting place for their dead.  The dome itself is a reconstruction providing cover for the graves inside and shelter for visitors.

The last thing I want to do with this blog is give complete descriptions or define every detail.  That's for you to discover and put your imagination to use at this ancient monument.

First Post

Hello and welcome to my new blog.  I'm still in the process of setting up the page and getting the layout just the way I want it before setting off on some great expeditions this year.  Stay tuned for regular updates and join me as I explore this great country, learning about our history as I go.