The town of Inveraray was rebuilt in the mid-1700s after the 3rd Duke of Argyll demolished the original village to create garden grounds for his new castle. As a result of the Duke choosing Inveraray as his residence, the town became the judicial centre for the area with the town house doubling as a courthouse and a small jail. Most legal cases across Argyll were held there, but the facilities quickly became inadequate, leading to prisoner escapes and judges seeking to relocate the court.
A new courthouse and prison block were built in the town square in 1820. The facility served as a local and county court, council offices, and warden accommodation. However, conditions for prisoners remained dire. Men, women, and children were held together, with those awaiting trial sharing cells with hardened criminals and the mentally ill. Overcrowding and the absence of sanitation led to frequent disease and deaths.
The 1835 Prisons Act addressed these appalling conditions nationwide, appointing inspectors to reform the prison system. The 1839 Prison Act (Scotland) funded new prison construction and established prison boards to replace town councils in prison management. Early improvements at Inveraray included an exercise yard and outdoor cells for light and air. In 1848, a larger cell block was added, allowing male and female prisoners to be separated, easing overcrowding, and improving conditions. By the late 19th century, larger prisons were built in cities, and Inveraray Jail closed on 30th August 1889. After decades of disuse, the buildings were restored and reopened as a tourist attraction in 1989.
Despite only being in operation for 69 years, the jail witnessed significant violence, suffering, and death. The anguish of condemned prisoners awaited execution or deportation reputedly lingers in the environment contributing to the belief that the jail is among the country's most haunted locations. Staff often see shadows, hear voices, and experience oppressive sensations. One staff member, locking up for the night, felt such a menacing presence near the new block that he left the building with the lights still on.
Footsteps are commonly heard, especially in the indoor exercise area, where both staff and visitors feel someone standing behind them. Children visiting the jail have been seen speaking to someone unseen, who when questioned they describe as being an old lady. Smells of tobacco, temperature fluctuations, and reports of being touched, pushed, or scratched are frequent during paranormal investigations.
Many investigators have had unsettling experiences on one particular cell where a tightness in the throat is felt causing shortness of breath and coughing. Initially thought to be linked to a strangling or hanging, our further research uncovered a potential connection to a case in 1863. A domestic servant, jailed for poisoning Captain Campbell's staff with tainted salt, caused symptoms similar to those experienced during investigations. It remains unclear what happened to her, but she may have died in prison. Could this also be the old lady witnessed by children?
Comments