Prison museum to close 'in its current format'

The Peterhead Prison Museum is to close in "its current format" next month, following funding issues.

Its operators said the decision followed a "prolonged period of financial pressure and operational challenges", which have made running the site unviable.

The attraction will close from Sunday 19 April.

It is hoped it can reopen later this year after a consultation for options into its future.

The prison closed its doors in 2013 and then later reopened as a museum.

Joel Campbell, chief executive of operators, Cove Group, said they were taking some time now to ensure it had a future.

"What we are doing now is taking a step back to ensure we can move forward in the right way," he said.

"This is not the end of the story for Peterhead Prison, it's the start of a new chapter.

"With the right approach, this site has the potential to become something truly special, but we need to take the time to get that right."

People are encouraged to come to a public consultation at the prison on 27 May.

The Prison Cafe and Lifeboat Museum will remain open.