An award-winning north-east prison museum unveiled its latest attraction yesterday after a piece of history was finally returned.
The Victorian Peterhead carriage transported inmates to and from Stirlinghill Quarry where they carried out work while serving time behind bars.
There, they broke massive granite stones by hand until the 1950s to support building efforts at Peterhead Harbour.
But following the completion of the project, the railway was closed down and its carriage disappeared. It ended up being used for many years as local woman Alison Clark’s shed.
Yesterday, it was donated back to the Peterhead Prison Museum so future generations can enjoy it.
Mrs Clark and her husband, John, were present to officially unveil the carriage to visitors.
Alex Geddes, operations manager at the museum said: “This is an exciting time for the museum as we open up not just another exhibit, but such a historic part that played a significant role in the transportation of the former convicts that worked daily at the quarry.
“For it still to show the original wooden linings, barred gates and windows will add to our visitor’s experience and our grateful thanks also goes to Buchan Joinery who ensured the authenticity of the carriage was safeguarded for future generations to enjoy and learn from.”
Visitors will be now be able to step on board the carriage and get a feel of how it must have felt watching the inmates housed in either end of the wagon behind barred gates.