We came upon Blackness Castle unexpectedly because we weren't aware of its existence. It appeared stark and beautiful, jutting out into the Firth of Fourth, protecting the once well-known seaport of Linlithgow.

Sir George Crichton, governor of Stirling Castle and a member of one of the most powerful families in Scotland built Blackness in the 1440's. The castle was built to the shape of the rock it rests on and consequently has an elongated shape. Sir George prudently handed over the castle to the King in 1453 after James II murdered Lord Douglas in the castle.

In 1537 the walls of Blackness Castle were thickened and gun emplacements were built. Mary, Queen of Scots built a new tower in the 1560s. This castle served as a royal residence, a prison for nobles and dignitaries who were being held (in rather comfortable suites), a prison for lowborn criminals, an ordnance depot and military barracks. The prison "pit" had a very unique feature because at high tide the cold waters of the sea would rush through a grate near the floor and fill the bottom of the pit. The castle was used extensively during times of war even as late as World War 1.

Today the castle is in the care of Historic Scotland and it is open to the public.