Peterhead Prison Museum

Access Guide

To support current guidelines provided by the Scottish Government during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic some special arrangements have been put in place for the benefit of staff and visitors.

These measures are detailed below and will be updated on a regular basis.

Although things may be a little different within these wall’s meantime, we hope that you will have an enjoyable visit and a warm welcome is assured.

Only one area is closed meantime, the “Cell-fie Room”, due to high contact surfaces, however all other areas are open and accessible.

Safety measures

Our staff have been trained in hygiene and physical distancing and have been provided with the necessary PPE.
Signage is on site to guide visitors, and to support our existing one-way system, and motion sensor hand sanitiser units are in place at key locations throughout the route.
We have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, including our toilet facilities, to make visitors feel comfortable while visiting.

Face coverings

In line with Scottish Government legislation and guidance, face coverings are now mandatory if you are visiting any indoor/enclosed spaces this includes retail and catering areas (subject to some exceptions).
We do not provide masks, so please make sure you bring one with you.
Face coverings are not required while visiting external areas on site;=.
If you have children within your group please keep them within your own physical space throughout your visit.
Above all we want everyone to enjoy their experience as our aim is to turn your moments into memories.

Carers tickets

In line with best practice across the visitor attractions industry and as advised by Capability Scotland, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate – Adult/Concession/Child. Proof of disability is not required.

We offer free entry for carers accompanying visitors with disabilities, but please note you must bring your identification card/letter of authority with you on the day.

Parking

Parking is available near the main reception for Blue Badge holders within 3 defined areas, however the whole main driveway can accommodate blue badge holders. Please note if parking in these areas your badge must be properly displayed during your visit.

For all other visitors we have 80 spaces, with a directional sign on the main road to the main carpark. Signage is then in place to guide you to the main gatehouse.

Parking is free of charge.

Local Travel

Local Accessible Taxi:
Central Taxis – 01779 434343
Astra Cabs – 01779 499499

Local Public Transport: https://www.stagecoachbus.com

Approaching the museum

Please note there are no bins within the carpark, however you will find a bin near the main gatehouse for visitor use and close to the only site smoking area. There is no smoking/vaping within the confines of the museum.

Please help us maintain our high standards of cleanliness by using the appropriate bins.

Security

Please note large suitcases or similar large luggage will not be allowed within the museum.

We kindly ask that motorcyclists remove helmets before entering reception. Helmets can be lodged at the main reception during your visit.

Main Reception

There are three clearly marked disabled parking bays near to the main reception on the main driveway and all on the level.

Our main reception, admissions, and cafe areas have lowered level access points at the counter.

We also having hearing loops at all three main support points.

The main door width is: 800mm

The admissions door width is: 800mm

Both have access ramp availability.

Our gift shop is accessible with the minimum distance between gondolas being 900mm

The café door width is 800mm and all access is on the level.

The lowest point of the café/shop and admissions counter is 800mm

The height of the café tables: 750mm

Accessible toilets

We have accessible toilet facilities located at the main visitor centre block and in our café area, the latter also including a baby changing facility if required.

We also have an accessible toilet in our Lifeboat Museum located within the grounds on the prison museum, and clearly marked on your maps provided upon arrival.

The width of the accessible toilet doors and support facilities:

Door frame 900mm
Door frame to bar 850mm
Bar to floor 670mm
Height of sink 680mm

Lift access to tour point 21 and café area

We have recently installed an access lift to allow access to the final tour point 21 and our café area.

The lift is located outside the former hospital complex and is clearly visible from the former exercise yard and marked on your map provided upon arrival.

The path on the approach to the lift is 1900mm wide.
The width of the door to the lift is 900mm
The lift internal size is 1400mm deep and 1m wide.

BSL

Some of our team members are currently undergoing a British Sign Language course and we hope to have most of the team proficient in basic communication skills by summer 2022.

In addition, we are currently in discussion with various lead organisations to enhance our Accessibility training in such skills as working with people with dementia and other accessibility matters, we may encounter. Our team are always open to discussion on any Accessibility issue you feel we would benefit from.

The disability awareness online training course by Visit Scotland will be included in current and future staff training criteria

Assistance Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs and assistance dogs in training and can provide water bowls for them. Please ask at the main reception for additional support if required.

Fire Alarm

On arrival you will receive an information leaflet that includes a map of the location and safety information. Should you wish this in large print please ask at the main reception where a team member will be happy to assist.

All fire alarm tests are arranged for out of opening hours, so should you hear an activation it must be treated as real until staff indicate otherwise. Exits are clearly marked on your map provided, along with assembly points. Please wait at your nearest assembly point until a staff member provides an update and subsequent guidance.

First Aid

There are several team members trained in First Aid and Fire Marshal support and there will always be a suitably trained member of the team on site.

Smoking / Vaping

We have a no smoking / vaping policy within the grounds of the complex both within the buildings and within the open-air areas.

Signage

Signage throughout the route is black text on a white background. Font size varies, and pictograms are used where required.

Magnifier sheet

We have magnifier sheets available in our admissions area, so please ask a team member should you wish to borrow one.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

The route is accessible for wheelchairs and upon arrival a team member will be allocated to support your visit. Please feel free to call our main reception any day between 10am and 4pm to discuss any special needs you may have on 01779 581060.

Due to the nature of the complex, we cannot support mobility scooters because of the low level of the footrest. However, we have a standard wheelchair that can be borrowed free of charge. Please call ahead to book to avoid disappointment any day between 10am and 4pm on 01779 581060.

What you will see

Visitor information

A one- way system is in place throughout the museum, with additional signage in place to direct visitor flow.
We have adapted toilets close to the main reception, and at the café. Staff will be delighted to provide guidance upon arrival and every group will receive a map of the site with key location and safety measures listed for your convenience.
An audio guide is provided as part of your entry fee. It is free to blind and partially sighted visitors. The handsets operate by a push button system.
Baby changing facilities are located at the main reception and at the end of the tour in the café area.
Dietary requirements: Should you wish to use our café facilities and have any dietary requirements, please call ahead to speak to one of our café team any day between 10:00 and 15:00 to discuss your needs.