Craiginches Prison was one of Aberdeen’s most imposing buildings for more than 100 years.
And even such a tough character as Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he struggled to understand how the prison officers, tasked with maintaining law and order in such a grim environment, got through their daily travails and privations.
Now, as part of the celebrations of the Central Library’s 125th anniversary, Aberdeen City Libraries is welcoming retired prison officer Bryan Glennie to discuss his new book on life within Aberdeen’s historic and occasionally notorious prison.
Extracts from the work, which features a foreword from former Aberdeen manager, Sir Alex, are currently being featured in the Press and Journal’s YL magazine.
In Craiginches – Life in Aberdeen’s Prison, Mr Glennie has related many of the stories behind the history of the once-forbidding place.
These include accounts of the prison’s only hanging and first-hand recollections of rooftop riots, botched escapes, drug smuggling and even how prisoners tried to brew their own beer in a dung heap.
He also recalls being deployed to the special teams at Peterhead where, in the midst of a riot, he was struck by a flying toilet.
And he was in Peterhead again when the SAS stormed D Wing to free a prison officer being held hostage in 1987.
Local studies librarian, David Oswald, said: “Bryan lived and breathed the life of the prison, so his account is fascinating and well informed. Craiginches finally closed in 2014 and Bryan’s book preserves its 124-year history.
“We are delighted to have him visiting the library for what should be an entertaining evening.”
The free event takes place tomorrow in Aberdeen Central Library at 6pm. To reserve a place, phone 01224 652500 or e-mail LibraryEvents@aberdeencity.gov.uk
