Peterhead Prison museum 'in its current format' to close after funding issues

A popular prison museum attraction, which has faced funding issues, is set to close to the public next month before reopening in a new format.

Peterhead Prison will close on April 19 following a “prolonged period of financial pressure and operational challenges” which operators say have made it unviable in its current form.

The site requires substantial costs, including major structural and maintenance requirements, they added.

Work is currently under way to “rework and reshape” the attraction, with the aim of reopening later in the year.

The prison cafe and lifeboat museum will remain open seven days a week.

“Scotland’s Gulag” opened its doors on August 14, 1888, and became the country’s only convict prison for 125 years.

Infamous criminals, including triple axe murderer Thomas McCulloch, serial killer Peter Tobin and gangster Paul Ferris, have all called the “Hate Factory” home before its closure in 2013.

Peterhead Prison was reborn as a museum in 2016, allowing visitors to delve into events such as the notorious riot of 1987, which resulted in the SAS storming a cell block.

Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, said: “Peterhead Prison is a truly unique site with huge potential for the future. However, to realise that potential, it has to be properly planned, financially sustainable, and aligned with the needs of the local community and the wider ambitions for the north east of Scotland.

“What we are doing now is taking a step back to ensure we can move forward in the right way. This is not the end of the story for Peterhead Prison, it’s the start of a new chapter. With the right approach, this site has the potential to become something truly special, but we need to take the time to get that right.”

“While the museum is closing in its current form, significant work continues behind the scenes to secure a long-term future for the site and unlock its full potential.”

A public consultation on the future of the site is to be held at the prison on May 27.

In addition, a dedicated WhatsApp community has been set up to give local people a direct voice in shaping the future of Peterhead Prison. The group allows people to share ideas, ask questions and engage with Joel Campbell and the team as plans for the site evolve.