Peterhead Prison, a centuries-old facility on Scotland's north east coast, is now open for tours that take visitors through the halls that once housed some of the country's most violent and notorious criminals. Known as 'Scotland's Alcatraz', the prison first opened its doors in 1888 and served as Scotland's only convict prison, where inmates were subjected to hard labour.
A History of Riots and Punishment
The prison's gruesome history, marked by riots and strict punishment, earned it the reputation of Scotland's most notorious jail. Although Peterhead Prison officially closed in December 2013, the walls still hold the horror of its past. Among the notorious criminals who resided there was Thomas McCulloch, who spent 22 years in solitary confinement after killing three people; some of the toys he crafted in his cell are still on display today.
Serial killer Peter Tobin also served time in the prison, along with child killer Robert Black, who featured in recorded interviews as his legal proceedings unfolded. Scottish gangster and author Paul Ferris is noted to have also spent time at the jail.
Inside the Tour Experience
Held every Saturday at either 10:30am or 12:30pm, this hour and a half tour takes guests inside the prison walls and into the wings where some of Scotland's worst criminals lived out their sentences. Following the route a prisoner would take, visitors gain insight into the strict regimes that governed daily life, from exercise and work to complete silence. The design of Peterhead Prison was deliberately severe to enforce discipline and limit opportunity.
The tour guide reads: "Peterhead Prison is known as Scotland’s toughest jail. Built to hold the country’s most difficult and long-term prisoners, the prison’s remote coastal location and uncompromising design shaped a regime defined by routine, discipline and endurance."
Riots, Ratings, and Overnight Stays
Despite efforts to keep prisoners under control, riots broke out, with one of the most infamous occurring in 1987, when an officer was held hostage amid a four-day rooftop siege. For £17, the experience includes a guided tour, access to key wings, cells, and prison space, as well as the prison museum and cafe. The ticket also includes prison entry, allowing guests to explore independently before or after the tour.
The Peterhead Prison tour currently holds a 4.9 star rating on Tripadvisor, with guests praising the insightful experience. One person wrote: "Fabulous tour, so interesting the history. Highly recommend, it was as good as Alcatraz. Tour guide Davie Smith was fabulous, so knowledgeable and very funny." Another added: "An absolutely fascinating and very entertaining tour of the old Peterhead prison. The experience would not have been the same without our fantastic tour guide David, an ex prison officer at this location for many years. I would highly recommend this experience."
A third person also said: "One of the most interesting museums and audio tours. Eerie in places yet well worth a visit." Looking ahead, Peterhead Prison is set to launch a night behind bars experience, a 12-hour overnight stay where guests are allocated a prison cell. More details on the guided tour and other experiences can be found on the Peterhead Prison website.
