Scottish Castles Association

This 16th century tower stands in the town of Stranraer close to the shore. In the 19th century lacking a 'lock up' the tower was converted into the town jail with cells for fellons and debtors.

St John's Tower in Stranraer as it was, and how it appeared on SCA visit April 2013

The prison inspector condemned the building as providing no exercise facilities or fresh air for the prisoners so the battlemented top was converted into an exercise yard giving the tower the slightly odd appearance it has today.

Hemmed in by buildings and used as a store until the 1970s is was in danger of demolition until it found a new life as museum. It is now in excellent condition and well worth a visit and to enjoy the prisoners' view.