Peterhead Prison

Peterhead Prison

Peterhead Prison, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, operated from 1888 to 2013, earning a reputation as one of the toughest correctional facilities in the country. Known as “Scotland’s Alcatraz,” it housed some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals. The prison’s dark history includes riots, escapes, and harsh treatment of inmates, creating an atmosphere ripe for paranormal activity.

Numerous ghost sightings have been reported within the prison walls. Staff and visitors have described encountering the spirit of a former inmate in Cell Block C, often seen pacing back and forth in his cell. Some claim to have heard his anguished cries echoing through the corridors at night.

The prison’s execution chamber, though never used for its intended purpose, is said to be a hotbed of paranormal activity. Visitors have reported feeling sudden cold spots and an overwhelming sense of dread upon entering the room. Some have even claimed to see shadowy figures lurking in the corners.

In the prison’s old hospital wing, witnesses have reported seeing the apparition of a nurse, believed to be a former employee who died while working at the facility. She is often seen tending to non-existent patients or walking through closed doors.

The prison’s exercise yard is another area of reported paranormal activity. Guards have described hearing the sound of ghostly footsteps marching in formation when the yard was empty. Some have even claimed to see spectral figures of inmates engaging in exercise routines long after the prison’s closure.

These documented accounts contribute to Peterhead Prison’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most haunted locations.

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Annie

Visited today and the experience was so chilling, I can’t quite put it into words. Immediately upon entering, the temperature felt like it dropped about 10 degrees and you could see your breath. We felt a crushing feeling of sadness and desperation, it’s absolutely overwhelming. We had the building to ourselves and as we were looking around the main cell block, we both started hearing heavy footsteps coming from above us in the upstairs cells - this was then accompanied by the sudden bang of a door being slammed. We convinced ourselves it must have been a staff member but upon leaving, I asked the reception staff if there had been anybody upstairs and she informed me upstairs is out of bounds even to staff, we were definitely alone there. It’s a brilliant and harrowing experience but by the end of it we were definitely pleased to be leaving!

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  1. Visited today and the experience was so chilling, I can’t quite put it into words. Immediately upon entering, the temperature felt like it dropped about 10 degrees and you could see your breath. We felt a crushing feeling of sadness and desperation, it’s absolutely overwhelming. We had the building to ourselves and as we were looking around the main cell block, we both started hearing heavy footsteps coming from above us in the upstairs cells – this was then accompanied by the sudden bang of a door being slammed. We convinced ourselves it must have been a staff member but upon leaving, I asked the reception staff if there had been anybody upstairs and she informed me upstairs is out of bounds even to staff, we were definitely alone there. It’s a brilliant and harrowing experience but by the end of it we were definitely pleased to be leaving!