Live Borders Secures Funding to Bring Jedburgh Castle Jail’s Dark History to Life

Live Borders has secured £92,000 through the Museum Futures Programme to develop a series of immersive new visitor experiences at Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum. 

The funding, delivered through a national partnership, will support the creation of an interactive escape room and costumed, story-led tours, launching from August this year. 

The new experiences will allow visitors to step back in time and explore the dramatic stories of one of the Scottish Borders’ most atmospheric historic sites. Designed as optional paid experiences alongside the museum’s free general admission, the project aims to enhance the visitor offer while helping to build a more sustainable future for the museum. 

Catriona McAllister, Chief Executive of Live Borders, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this support through the Museum Futures Programme. Jedburgh Castle Jail has an incredible history and a powerful sense of place, and this project will allow us to share those stories in exciting new ways. 

“By developing immersive experiences such as the escape room and costumed tours, we can deepen visitors’ connection with the site while also creating new income streams that help secure the long-term future of our museums. It’s a fantastic example of how innovation can support heritage, tourism and community pride across the Scottish Borders.” 

Jedburgh Castle Jail is one of Live Borders’ most popular heritage attractions and is well known for the powerful stories connected to the people who lived, worked and were incarcerated there. The new experiences will bring these stories to life through immersive storytelling and interactive elements, creating engaging experiences for both local audiences and visitors to the region. 

 Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: 

“We are delighted to support this project through the Museum Futures Programme. Museum Futures is designed to help museums test innovative ideas, collaborate in new ways, and build organisational sustainability. 

“Projects like this show how museums can bring local stories to life in creative ways while developing new income streams and strengthening their connection with communities and visitors. We are excited to see how this initiative will help ensure the powerful history of Jedburgh Castle Jail continues to be shared and enjoyed for many years to come.” 

The project will begin development in spring 2026, with the new experiences expected to launch to visitors in August.

Photography by Phil Wilkinson.

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