HM Prison Peterhead facts for kids
 |
|
| Location | Peterhead, Scotland, UK |
|---|---|
| Status | Historical museum |
| Capacity | 152 (February 2012) |
| Opened | 1888 |
| Closed | 2013 |
| Managed by | Scottish Prison Service |
| Governor | Michael Hebden |
HMP Peterhead was a famous prison in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It operated for many years, from 1888 until 2013. Today, you can visit the old prison grounds as the Peterhead Prison Museum, which opened in June 2016. It's a place where you can learn about its interesting past.
Contents
History of Peterhead Prison
When was Peterhead Prison built?
Peterhead Convict Prison was built around 1888. It was designed to hold about 208 prisoners. This prison was special because it was Scotland's only "convict" prison. This meant it was for prisoners who were sentenced to "hard labour". Hard labour was a tough punishment where prisoners had to do difficult physical work.
How many prisoners were there?
Even though it was built for 208 prisoners, it usually held around 350 people. In 1911, the number of prisoners reached its highest point with 455 people. To make more space, new buildings were added in 1909, 1960, and 1962. This increased the prison's capacity to 362 prisoners. By 2012, the Scottish Prison Service said the prison could hold up to 142 prisoners.
Why did Peterhead Prison close?
Peterhead Prison closed its doors in 2013. A brand new prison called HMP Grampian took its place. HMP Grampian was the first prison in Scotland to house young people, men, and women all together. The first prisoners moved into the new facility on March 2, 2014. Before that, they stayed in other prisons temporarily. They could even have virtual visits with their families using video calls.
