Brig writer, Murron Carscadden, went along to a guided tour at the Stirling Old Town Jail and spoke to the jail’s director. Read along to see how she found it.
I walked up to the old jail with a sense of building anticipation. It was a bleak Sunday afternoon. Quickly, the excitement set in, and I was ready to uncover the history of what crime and punishment was truly like in Stirling.
Before tours participants are given a phone with information about each cell. The attraction is focused on giving guests an informative experience, this shines through the deeper into the jail you go.
Our host Adam dazzled in a one-man show playing each character with tremendous finesse. He was spectacular at dropping in and out of character with ease and kept visitors completely entranced in what was going to happen next.
This character-based approach is ideal for the tours and allows visitors to find out what went on in each cell and how the prisoners were treated in an engaging way.
This, I believe, is the heart of their success.
I wondered, what sparked the idea?
“What you’re getting in here is history, but history in an accessible manner.” said Creative Director of the jail, David Kinnaird.
David made the connection that in comparison to attractions such as the castle, the jail offers a more local view in terms of how real people were treated in the jail.
“It’s that same connection to the past, to the community… you’re telling local stories.”
Besides just giving a tangible connection to the past, David explained how the tours have the added intrigue of crime and punishment and investigating the morality behind it to see how society has changed.
After the performance you get to roam free around the jail, popping in and out of different cells and really taking it all in. There is even a lookout tower with a fantastic view of the city.
The jail also hosts Ghost walks and escape rooms.
The Stirling Old Town Jail has and will continue to bring so much to Stirling’s attraction and entertainments sector. It brings both history and entertainment together for a well-rounded fun experience for all.
Featured Image Credit: Murron Carscadden