Scottish Government urged to step in to save Peterhead Prison Museum from closure

The Scottish Government has been urged to step in and save the Peterhead Prison Museum, which is facing closure within the next six weeks.

“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.

Cove Attractions, which operates part of the prison attraction, has warned that it is now at risk of closure.

Peterhead Prison confirmed that an agreement to secure its long-term future was reached over a year ago, but repeated delays have put the attraction’s future in jeopardy.

Since 2021, the site has operated at a loss, resulting in the charity which owns the prison running out of funds in October 2024.

The museum is now at risk of closure due to a £70,000 “critical funding gap”, which could result in the notorious prison closing its doors for good.

Visitors are able to walk around the building, which previously housed Scotland's most infamous prisoners. — Visitors are able to walk around the building, which previously housed Scotland’s most infamous prisoners. STV News

Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden has described the potential closure as “extremely worrying”.

The North East representative believes more needs to be done to ensure the popular tourist attraction stays open.

He said: “This concerning announcement underlines the financial challenges facing many of our cultural institutions, which are often running at a loss.

“The continued success of the museum has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North East.

“It plays a pivotal part in educating our younger generation about the history of our region by remembering Scotland’s toughest jail, from its opening in 1888 to its decommissioning in 2013.

“Peterhead Prison Museum must be saved, which is why the Scottish Government has a part to play in supporting these landmarks to ensure they have a sustainable future for years to come.”

The Scottish Government has urged the Aberdeenshire museum to contact Museum Galleries Scotland for advice on what support the former prison could be eligible for.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Museum Galleries Scotland (MGS) is the national development body for museums and galleries, and we would encourage Peterhead Prison Museum to engage directly with MGS for advice and further information on any support it may be eligible for.”