Inveraray Jail

Overview

Since opening in 1989 Inveraray Jail has established itself as one of Scotland's most exciting heritage attractions. It has won many awards including European Museum of the Year and Scottish Tourism Oscar.

Visit the magnificently restored 1820 Courtroom where you can sit with the 30 lifelike models and listen to excerpts from trials of the past. Then pass on to the prisons below, and meet with our Warder, Matron and Prison Guides, all dressed in period costumes.

Spend some time in the airing yards, see furnished cells and experience authentic prison sounds and smells! Ask the "prisoner" how to pick oakum, turn the handle of the crank machine, take forty winks in a hammock or listen to Matron's tales of daily life as she keeps one eye on the nursing mother, barefoot thieves and the lunatic in her care.

See other exhibitions including "Torture Death and Damnation", "In Prison Today", "The Introduction of Photography" and "Katie" - The Governor's Cow.

Remember to bring your camera and get a personalised picture of yourself as a prisoner from the 19th Century!

Before leaving, visit the information room and see the prison cooking facilities, then pass on to our superb shop, full of souvenir items, books and gifts with prices to suit all pockets.

For those visitors who use hearing aids, our Courtroom is fitted with an Induction Loop and disabled visitors in wheelchairs are allowed into the ground floors - free of charge.

The Governor extends a welcome to you all.