Blackness Castle: History and the Outlander Connection
Blackness Castle occupies one of the most dramatic positions of any castle in Scotland: a rocky promontory jutting into the Firth of Forth, dark stone walls rising from the water, looking south across the estuary towards Edinburgh and north to the hills of Fife. On a grey day — and grey days are common on the Forth — it is exactly the kind of place where a screenwriter would choose to set a prison.
That instinct is precisely why the Outlander production team chose Blackness as the exterior filming location for Wentworth Prison — the castle where Jamie Fraser is held in the darkest episodes of Season 1. The choice was historically resonant as well as atmospherically perfect: Blackness Castle genuinely served as a state prison in Scottish history.
The History of Blackness Castle
15th Century Foundation
Blackness Castle was built in the 15th century, with the earliest phases dating to approximately the 1440s. It was constructed for Sir George Crichton, later first Earl of Caithness, a powerful magnate who held the position of Lord High Admiral of Scotland. The choice of site — a rocky promontory on the Forth, accessible by sea — reflected naval interests and the strategic value of controlling traffic on the Forth.
The castle's distinctive shape derives from the natural form of the promontory: the towers align with the rock, giving the characteristic prow-midships-stern arrangement that led to its popular nickname, the 'Ship that Never Sailed'.
Royal Castle and State Prison
By the late 15th century, Blackness had passed into royal ownership. It served as a royal castle and, crucially, as a state prison — a place where the Scottish crown could hold dangerous political prisoners away from the crowded and escape-prone Edinburgh Castle.
Notable prisoners held at Blackness included various victims of the complex politics of medieval and early modern Scotland. Its remote-enough location (accessible by sea but not easily approached overland without passing through settled country), combined with its strong walls, made it a secure holding place.
Acts of Union 1707
The Acts of Union 1707 included a specific provision requiring that four Scottish castles be maintained in good repair in perpetuity: Edinburgh, Stirling, Dumbarton, and Blackness. This provision — unusual in its specificity — reflected Scottish insistence that the fortifications of the country not be allowed to decay after union with England. Blackness's inclusion on this list reflects its continued strategic significance in the early 18th century.
In practice, Blackness served as an ordnance depot and powder magazine for the British army through much of the 18th and 19th centuries. Military use meant it was kept in reasonable repair, but also that its character as a castle became submerged in its function as a military store.
20th Century and Preservation
Blackness was taken into state care in the 20th century and gradually excavated and consolidated. The castle was repaired and interpretive materials installed. It is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland as a visitor attraction.
Blackness in Outlander
In Outlander, Wentworth Prison is the fictional fortress where Jamie Fraser is imprisoned and subjected to a brutal ordeal at the hands of the villain Captain Jonathan 'Black Jack' Randall. The Wentworth storyline is among the most dramatically intense in the series and involves the castle's exterior prominently.
The filming team used the exterior of Blackness Castle for establishing shots and the overall impression of the fortress. Interior scenes were filmed in studio sets. The castle's dark stone, its waterside position, and its forbidding profile on the Forth provided exactly the atmosphere the production required.
For Outlander fans, visiting Blackness allows you to see the exterior that featured in the show's most powerful episode. For anyone interested in Scottish history, Blackness is worth visiting in its own right as a genuine medieval and early modern castle with a rich history.
Visiting Blackness Castle
Location: Blackness, West Lothian, EH49 7NH How to get there:
- By car: From Linlithgow, take the A904 west and then the B9109 north to Blackness village. From Edinburgh, approximately 45 minutes via the M9 or A90.
- By public transport: Infrequent bus services. Linlithgow railway station is 4 miles away; a taxi or cycle from Linlithgow is the practical option.
What to see:
- Walk the full exterior of the castle and the promontory for views across the Firth of Forth
- Explore the three towers: the prow tower (north), the main tower (centre), and the stern tower (south)
- The castle interior includes a great hall and various defensive features
- Interpretive panels cover the castle's history
- Views north across the Forth to Fife and west to the Forth Bridges
Opening hours: Seasonal — check the Historic Environment Scotland website (historicenvironment.scot) for current hours Admission: Fee payable; HES members enter free
Combined visit: Linlithgow Palace is 4 miles away and well worth combining with a Blackness visit. Linlithgow Palace is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and one of Scotland's finest ruined palaces. Hopetoun House — the Hopetoun Estate where Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) is located — is approximately 5 miles from Blackness.