Located in the West Side of Edinburgh on the main A71, the prison is in an area known locally as Saughton. The main telephone number of the establishment is 0131-444 3000 and the fax number is 0131-444 3045. The prison is situated in a predominately residential area and has good transport and road links to the city centre, which provides good access both for local courts and visitors to the prison. The building of the prison started in approximately 1914 with the first prisoner being received about 1920.

Edinburgh Prison is classed as a local or community prison and receives prisoners from the courts in Edinburgh and the Lothian's and Borders.  The prison holds adult male and under 21 prisoners who are on remand or convicted awaiting sentence, and convicted prisoners serving sentences from non-payment of fines to life.

 Nigel Ironside
 Governor

Natalie Beal
Deputy Governor