In 1987, veteran prison officer Jackie Stuart became the reluctant face of one of Scotland’s deadliest prison riots. His brutal five-day hostage ordeal at HMP Peterhead exposed shocking flaws in the nation’s prison system and sparked urgent calls for reform.
Chaos Erupts at Scotland’s Toughest Jail
On 28 September 1987, violence exploded in D-Hall at Peterhead Prison, infamous for housing Scotland’s most dangerous inmates. The riot kicked off when prisoner Malkie Leggat viciously attacked officer Bill Florence. As guards scrambled to regain control, the situation spiralled out of control.
