Blackness Castle, Medieval fortress near Bo'ness, Scotland
Blackness Castle occupies a rocky peninsula jutting into the Firth of Forth, where stone walls rise straight from the water on three sides. The stronghold's unusual ship-like silhouette when viewed from certain angles makes it instantly recognizable along the Scottish coast.
The Crichton family built the fortress in the 15th century as a strategic defensive position. During the 16th century, it was transformed into an artillery stronghold to meet changing warfare needs.
The castle structure resembles a stone ship when viewed from certain angles, earning it the designation as a significant example of Scottish military architecture.
The fortress opens daily from April through September, with reduced hours during the colder months from October through March. Bring sturdy footwear, as the walk crosses rocky ground and viewing areas involve climbing stairs.
The fortress has appeared in several major film and television productions, standing in for different Scottish buildings across various historical periods. Its convincing medieval and early modern architecture allowed filmmakers to depict many different eras without leaving the location.
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