HMP Noranside, Angus, Scotland - June 2018

[Brewtal]

Growing up not too far from here I have know about this place for a long time. Since it closed its always been on the list, but its always the ones on my door step that get brushed aside. I don't get back up north as much as I would like to so its always the new places or the ones that don't have long left that take priority.

I first visited some time last year, late in the day after another explore and did the most half assed recce ever. I went back in January after one of my many visits to Sunnyside and thought it was my lucky day. Lots of open doors! The light was fading so got some externals, went to have a look inside the buildings - all locked up! Very strange. I eventually realised someone was walking around the site and decided to bail. Fast forward to June and I am back again with prettyvacant71 and we decided to swing by for a look on our way to do the bits of Sunnyside we have both missed. Sometimes it just takes a second pair of eyes but we managed to get in eventually, with great difficulty. I didn't think we would be long there, but we were both pretty shocked at how nice this place was inside.

I have tried to look up the history but its all a bit patchy. The main admin block, Noranside House, is believed to date back to the 1830's. The site wasn't always a prison, it has been both a borstal and a sanatorium at some point. The prison closed in 2011.


Some externals taken in January just before sunset:

Internal pics from the main cell block:

Sports hall and gym:

Continued...

 

[Brewtal]

Continued…

A few shots from the workshop areas:

Noranside House. This was a very pleasant surprise. 3 lovely staircases, beautiful fireplaces, not at all what I was expecting:

This was the only graffiti we saw. I edited some out, then I gave up because I quickly remembered I hate editing!

A lot of empty rooms, these two were the nicest so the only ones I will bother posting:

Kitchen and Canteen:

And finally a couple of pics from the boiler house:

Thanks for looking!

 

[mookster]

Awesome to see inside, remember you telling me about this one last year but was all sealed in November. Might have to give it another look this coming November!

 

[paulpowers]

Nioce

Do love a good clean prison and you've captured this one really well

 

[Brewtal]

Awesome to see inside, remember you telling me about this one last year but was all sealed in November. Might have to give it another look this coming November!

Yeah it was great to get it done, really didn’t expect it to be so nice! Let me know before you go mate, I will be back home around then so can swing by and check it for you, saves you the wasted journey if it’s a no go. It’s only a 15min drive from my parents. I will send you a few other places too!

 

[slayaaaa]

That's one of the nicest derp prisons ive seen, far more dated architecture than most with some cool features. Cheers for sharing

 

[AmMo]

Great pics, looking to go and check this out soon

 

[Brewtal]

Great pics, looking to go and check this out soon

Thank you! I’ve heard it’s been sealed up again I’m afraid to say!

 

[AmMo]

Thank you! I’ve heard it’s been sealed up again I’m afraid to say!

That’s a shame, will prob give it a quick check on route to Sunnyside anyway

 

[Brewtal]

That’s a shame, will prob give it a quick check on route to Sunnyside anyway

Yeah if you are in the area anyway have a look, it’s been open and closed quite a few times over the last year so you might get lucky!

 

[AmMo]

Yeah if you are in the area anyway have a look, it’s been open and closed quite a few times over the last year so you might get lucky!

If there's a will, there's a way!

 

[Hmp-Caver]

Looks like a decent place tbh, Looks like a Cat D Open Prison tbh, or a lax Cat C :/ The layout is almost similar to the Sex Offender wings at the place I worked at, rather than the Larger Res Wings. still great pics! Shame to see the locking mechanisms gone though :/ wonder if they had the traka room and C&R Ready room somewhere :/

 

[Pammyj]

Brilliant, love the pics.

 

[Krypton]

Awesome, there was some Elwyn type security man with dogs wondering around the other day...

 

[Brewtal]

Awesome, there was some Elwyn type security man with dogs wondering around the other day...

Yeah I heard things had been stepped up a bit there. Cheers for the update!