From 1 July 2009 all visitors to establishments over the age of 16 years will be required to provide photographic identification and documentary evidence supporting proof of name and address.

Proof of name and address must match that recorded on the visit sheet.  When booking each visitors full name and address must be identified/recorded.

The following examples shall be accepted as suitable for photographic identification purposes:

* Passport
* Photographic Driving License
* Other official photographic ID e.g. Membership Card
* Citizen/Validate UK Card (Citizen’s card application form can be found at front desk on arrival and application is free)
* Workplace Photographic ID
* Photographic Bank Card

The following examples shall be accepted as suitable for proof of name and address:  

* Utility Bill (Gas, electricity, etc)
* Any letter from an official source
* Benefit Book
* Council Tax Bill

Items permitted into the establishment are purse/wallet/ keys/jacket. Items NOT permitted are bags in the visit room/ hats or scarves/ mobile phones/ chewing gum drinks/ cameras. Please note that you will be required to remove all outer garments to allow them to be put through the rapiscan as per security standards.

When booking visits there are a maximum of three adults allowed and maximum of four children allowed at any one visit.

There is a Non Smoking Policy at HMP Shotts therefore smoking is not permitted in any part of the establishment including the car park.

Search Policy within the establishment: Anyone gaining entry to the establishment may be required to take part in a rub down search in the privacy of a room out with the waiting area by the same gender officer this is done at random as with the Ion scan machine which is used to detect traces of drugs/ explosives by taking a swab from hands. Drug detection dogs are also used for the detection of any forbidden contraband.

Procedure for handing in property and money: On arrival at the establishment you can hand in money for the prisoner prior to the visit this will be put into their PPC (prisoner’s private cash).You can also hand in property prior to a visit with a pro form that the prisoner has sent to you. This form indicated the property you are permitted to bring and the quantity allowed.