Population 135 (2001 census) Country Scotland Post town LINLITHGOW Local time Saturday 5:05 PM Civil parish Bo'ness | OS grid reference NT051800 Sovereign state United Kingdom Postcode district EH49 Dialling code 01506 Council area Falkirk | |
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Weather 7°C, Wind N at 8 km/h, 96% Humidity | ||
Blackness is a small village and harbour at Blackness Bay, an inlet of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. It lies 3.4 miles (5.5 km) east-southeast of Bo'ness, 5.0 miles (8.0 km) west-northwest of South Queensferry and 3.8 miles (6.1 km) north-east of Linlithgow, within the council area of Falkirk.
Contents
Map of Blackness, Linlithgow, UK
At the 2001 Census Blackness was reported as having a population of around 135 residents.
History
The village originally served as a port for nearby Linlithgow, which was a principal residence of the Scottish monarchs from as early as the 12th century. As a port, Blackness was later superseded by Bo'ness, and fell into decline from the 17th century. Blackness Yacht Club currently use the village as a base for its sailing activities.
Blackness Castle
The small village is dominated by Blackness Castle, situated on a promontory overlooking the bay. The castle was both a residence and a prison before passing to Crown ownership in 1453. The castle is currently under the care of Historic Scotland and has been used as a setting for several films including Hamlet, and the BBC production of Ivanhoe. In addition to the castle and the boat club, the village contains a small variety shop and a pub restaurant. The old smithy has long since shut its doors, as has the dairy which once operated from the village.