Edinburgh Prison - History

Located in the West Side of Edinburgh on the main A71, the prison is in an area known locally as Saughton. 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 Edinburgh prison first started in approximately 1914 with the first prisoner being received about 1920.Edinburgh Prison has however been extensively redeveloped in recent years and now provide modern facilities with the oldest building within the prison being only just over 12 years old. Edinburgh is classed as a local or community facing prison and receives prisoners from the courts in Edinburgh, the Lothian's & Borders. The prison holds adult male and under 21 prisoners who are on remand or convicted awaiting sentence, and convicted prisoners serving any sentence up to life imprisonment.