The Old Prison

The Old Prison was completed in 1820 at the same time as the courthouse.

It was the principal jail of the county of Argyll and housed men, women and children, convicted and unconvicted prisoners as well as the sane and the insane in 8 cold, damp cells.

Conditions gradually improved after the Penal Reform Bill of 1838. The prison was inspected in 1840 by the new Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, Frederic Hill. He drew up a long list of improvements.

Shortly after his visit, one of the cells was converted into a washroom. In 1841, a new coal fired heating system and gas fittings for light were installed, improving conditions for the prisoners.

In 1849, all male prisoners were moved to the recently completed new prison.

Compare the conditions of the Old Prison to the New Prison when you visit Inveraray Jail, and experience prison life for yourself when you are locked in your cell by the Warder or escorted out to the Airing Yards for your daily exercise.