Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Visits Peterhead Prison Museum

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Visits Peterhead Prison Museum

A momentous occasion awaited as Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, visited Peterhead Prison Museum on Tuesday 8th April, marking a major milestone in the site’s historic journey.

The Princess Royal took a tour of the former prison by Conrad Ritchie, Chairman of Peterhead Prison Museum. The visit showcased the museum’s gripping history, including a stop at the Julia Park Barry of Glasgow Lifeboat Exhibit, a tribute to the region’s brave maritime legacy.

First opened in 1888, Peterhead Prison was Scotland’s only convict prison, infamous for its tough regime and unrelenting hard labour. Today, it stands as a powerful heritage attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year who seek to experience the gritty and authentic story of incarceration in Scotland’s northeast.

“We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to Peterhead Prison Museum,” said Conrad Ritchie. “This visit not only highlights the historical importance of the site but also celebrates its future.”

The Princess Royal also met with Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, and James Eden-Williams, Attraction Director of Cove Attractions, the new operating partner for Peterhead Prison Museum. Earlier this year, the museum joined forces with Cove Attractions, part of the nationally recognised Cove Group, in a bold new partnership to secure the site’s long-term sustainability.

“This is more than a partnership – it’s a promise,” said Joel Campbell. “Cove Attractions is bringing investment, operational excellence, and fresh energy to Peterhead Prison Museum. We’re already developing new visitor experiences, including the return of Guided Tours launching this month.”

To commemorate this royal visit, Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque marking the occasion – an enduring symbol of a new era for the museum and its continued legacy as a cultural landmark.