This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Edinburgh prison report published
10/06/2004
Edinburgh Prison has changed dramatically with the opening of a new houseblock according to the latest report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons published today.
Dr Andrew McLellan's report on Edinburgh Prison describes a follow up inspection in February 2004 and draws attention to:
- The excellent new accommodation for prisoners provided by Hermiston House
- The very bad living conditions in two of the other halls
The report also notes:
- A drop in the level of assaults
- A good anti-violence strategy
- Good staff - prisoner relationships
Dr McLellan said:
"A major development of the estate is taking place in Edinburgh Prison and the opening of the new houseblock, Hermiston House, is by far the most important new development since the last inspection. Staff have a sense of pride in working there, and prisoners are ready to recognise the quality of the living accommodation. Every prisoner has access to toilet facilities and the open areas are airy and well used.
"In two other halls, however, living conditions are very bad. Over one fifth of prisoners in Edinburgh are still required to "slop out". These prisoners have no electric power in their cells other than lighting.
"The contrast between the excellent conditions in one part of the prison and the poor conditions in other parts is now very striking. Building has now begun on another new hall which it is hoped will have the same encouraging effect as Hermiston House.
"While healthcare and food were heavily criticised by prisoners, much good work is being carried out. Staff-prisoner relationships are sound, prisoner needs are identified and addressed, and the Links Centre and induction programme are examples of good work. Other work with sex offenders, job hunting, and mental health and addictions is being developed. The level of assaults has dropped and a good anti-violence strategy is in place.
"Overall, this is a very encouraging report and there are now no outstanding Recommendations or Points of Note from previous inspections which continue to give concern."
Scotland's prisons are subject to regular inspection. A full inspection normally takes place every three years and examines all aspects of the establishment. Follow up inspections are carried out in years where a full inspection does not take place and these examine points of note raised in previous inspections, examine significant changes since then, and explore issues arising from the establishment's own assessment of itself.
The inspection of Edinburgh was a follow up inspection with a focus on conditions in which prisoners live and on the way prisoners are treated.
Copies of Reports will be available on the Inspectorate's website: www.scotland.gov.uk/hmip