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Help Secure the Future of Peterhead Prison
Peterhead Prison is more than a building.
It is a place of memory, meaning, and national significance, and right now, its future hangs in the balance.
Unless urgent action is taken, Peterhead Prison faces the very real risk of closure within weeks.
This campaign exists to change that.
A Nationally Important Site at a Critical Moment
Opened in 1888, Peterhead Prison is one of Scotland’s most significant historic sites. It tells powerful stories about justice, punishment, reform, and the human lives shaped within its walls. Today, it also supports local jobs, tourism, and education in the Northeast.
But heritage sites like Peterhead Prison are fragile.
For several years, the prison has operated at a loss. In late 2024, the charity that owns the site, Admiralty Gateway Charitable Trust, ran out of funds and faced imminent closure.
At that moment, Cove Attractions stepped in to prevent the doors closing, protect local jobs, and work towards a long-term solution that would secure the prison for future generations.
Progress Made - But Time and Cost Have Taken Their Toll
A plan is in place.
An agreement has been reached.
The future can be secured.
However, prolonged legal and administrative delays in completing the transfer of the site have had serious consequences. Time has passed, costs have increased, and a critical funding gap has emerged. Not because of lack of commitment, but because of the length and complexity of the process.
“We stepped in knowing this would be challenging, but the delays over the past year have left the situation extremely fragile.” - Joel Campbell, CEO, Cove Group
What Happens If the Prison Closes?
If Peterhead Prison is forced to close:
12 local jobs will be lost
The Northeast will lose one of its largest visitor attractions
A nationally significant piece of Scottish heritage will be placed at risk
The future of the Lifeboat Museum housed on the site will become uncertain
Once a site like this closes, reopening is far from guaranteed.
Why Your Support Matters
Every donation to this campaign helps to:
Keep the prison open and operational
Protect local livelihoods
Safeguard an irreplaceable historic site
Secure Peterhead Prison for future generations
“Losing Peterhead Prison would be devastating — not just locally, but nationally.”
How Else You Can Help
If you’re able to support in other ways, you can also:
Visit Peterhead Prison and encourage others to do the same
Share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues
Follow updates and help spread the word
Visit: Peterhead Prison Website