News

SPS has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans regarding the findings of our urgent Lessons Learned Review, and the recommendations have been published.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

Two long-serving members of staff have retired from the SPS.

Development of a new and modern national facility for women in custody is set to reach an important landmark.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP & YOI Polmont has died.

An officer from HMP Low Moss was selected to represent the SPS in London on Remembrance Day

A number of events and activities took place across the SPS to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

Newly created quiet space was used to mark Armistice Day.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

The SPS Annual Report and Accounts for 2021-22 are now available.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Greenock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A member of staff at HMP Castle Huntly has been awarded the Chief Executive's Certificate of Meritorious Contribution.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

HMP Perth's radio station, 'Insider Radio', has been operational for 1 year.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A number of individuals in our care have been given Hardman Trust Awards in a ceremony at HMP Castle Huntly.

A member of staff has been awarded with the Chief Executive's Certificate of Meritorious Contribution.

A prisoner at HMP YOI Cornton Vale has died.

A prisoner in HMP Low Moss has died

The public consultation is open

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

SPS marks the completion of our first women's Community Custody Unit: 'The Bella Centre'.

Sunday 24 July marks #SamaritansAwarenessDay. As part of their 'Talk to Us' campaign, we'd like to highlight our 'Listener scheme'.

An employability event has been held at HMP&YOI Polmont to mark World Youth Skills Day 2022.

SPS have appointed Kier to deliver early works services on the new HMP Glasgow project.

Two Officers at HMP Dumfries have been awarded Certificates of Meritorious Contribution from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

An awareness event has been held at HMP&YOI Polmont to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHTB).

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

SPS staff have received Medals and Commemorative Coins to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A number of events have taken place across the SPS estate to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.

Planned maintenance at HMP Edinburgh will impact phone lines from tonight.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Dumfries has died.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner in HMP Edinburgh has died

Visits have resumed at HMP Greenock.

A prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly has died.

A temporary suspension of Visits at HMP Greenock has been extended to 27 March 2022.

Visits update - HMP Greenock

Public engagement for Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment Policy Review is now open.

A prisoner from HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Greenock has died.

The Scottish Government announce the new Vision for Justice in Scotland

SPS have appointed four new Non-Executive Directors

A prisoner from HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner from HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner from HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner from HMP & YOI Cornton Vale has died

A prisoner from HMP Edinburgh has died

Visits at have resumed at HMP Greenock.

Visits update - HMP Greenock

A prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock has died

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is to launch a review of it’s Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment Policy

A prisoner from HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

SPS Christmas & New Year Menus 2021-22

A prisoner from HMP Low Moss has died.

Updated guidance has been issued for visitors to establishments in line with Scottish Government recommendations.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

a prisoner at HMP Perth has died

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

The SPS has committed to contribute to the redress scheme for survivors of historical child abuse.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

A Prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly has died.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

The Consultation Responses & Analysis - Amendment (No.2) Rules 2021 is now available.

The Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 are available to read...

A prisoners at HMP Addiewell has died.

The stage one contract for the Design and Construction of HMP Highland (phase one works) has been awarded.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMYOI Polmont has died.

A Prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner has died at HMP Glenochil.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner has died at HMP Edinburgh

A prisoner at HMP Shotts had died.

We are currently managing an outbreak in HMP Perth

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

Please note that virtual visits at HMP Castle Huntly are currently unavailable

We recognise that the last few months have been challenging for many families across Scotland, with access to in person visits limited. We are pleased to announce that we have today updated our guidance on visiting

Two ceremonies were held at HMP Edinburgh to mark Armed Forces Week

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Greenock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Inverness has died.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Dumfries has died.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

Some amazing artwork from the men at HMP Dumfries showing their gratitude to NHS and other key workers over this year.

Following the First Ministers announcement yesterday (16/03/21) about the routemap out of the pandemic and indicative dates, we are currently assessing what that means in terms of prison visits. More information will be available on this early next week.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Dumfries has died.

We are pleased to publish our refreshed ‘Vision for Young People in Custody.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A Prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly has died

A prisoner at Grampian has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died

Virtual visits supporting those in custody and their families during COVID 19

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

The HMP Glenochil Ochie the Fox Project was devised for those in our care who expressed a desire to find creative ways of communicating with their young children whilst they are in prison

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died

On Monday 30th November HMP Grampian had their first CashBack Project graduation for their under 25s.

Huge congratulations to our students and the Fife College Education Team at HMP Castle Huntly on winning the “Innovative Curriculum Design Award”.

Please remember that these contact details should be used for general family enquires. If you have immediate concerns about the wellbeing of an individual, please contact the establishment directly via their main switchboard number. In light of this positive development, we have decided to suspend our family helpline at this time. The helpline was introduced at the start of the pandemic to provide support to families and friends of those in our care. The demand for this service has reduced significantly as more people are accessing the support locally therefore, with effect from Thursday 26 November 2020, the phone line will no longer be operational. This decision will be kept under review.

We have been assessing the impact of the recent Scottish Government announcement on Local Authority (LA) protection levels and travel restrictions.

The women at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale have been working hard knitting ear protector straps.

The Scottish Government has reviewed the protection level that each Local Authority (LA) across Scotland is placed in. The restrictions for each of these levels have an impact on who can visit our establishments for family visits.

Please note any visitor (either private or official) who advises that they have a medical condition which precludes them wearing a mask will now require to show a Face Covering Exemption Card.

Huge congratulations to our staff at HMP Greenock on raising £830 for Erskine Hospital.

Our contractor has advised that the Virtual Visits product will be unavailable on 11 November 2020 due to essential Website Maintenance. It is anticipated that the service will be down for 24 hours. No Bookings will be taken for 11 November 2020

The Scottish Government has announced the protection level that each Local Authority (LA) across Scotland has been placed in. The restrictions for each of these levels have an impact on who can visit our establishments. More information can be found at https://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/covid19/covid-19-information-hub.aspx

The Prisoner Survey 2019 has been published.

Online Bank Transfer Update

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

Due to positive cases of COVID 19, some visits at HMP Barlinnie have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. If you visit someone in A Hall at HMP Barlinnie, visits have been suspended until 20 October 2020. All other visits are unaffected. If you are unsure if your visit is affected, please contact the establishment on 0141 770 2000

The 30th of September marked ‘International Recovery Day.

We are pleased to announce the recommencement of visits to all Scottish prisons, effective from Monday 28 September 2020. More infomation can be found at https://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/covid19/covid-19-information-hub.aspx

In the light of the additional restrictions announced by The First Minister on Tuesday The Scottish Prison Service is pausing all family visits to all Scottish Prisons from midnight tonight. Visits are being paused pending the receipt of definitive health advice . This advice is expected imminently and further updates will be provided as soon as possible.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

Following yestedays announcement by the government, the rules on people meeting together are changing. From Monday 14 September it will only be possible for people from two households to meet together. As a result, we have had to make a change to visits and visitors from only one household will be permitted to visit an individual in our care at a time. The number of people who can visit remains unchanged. Visits to HMP Barlinnie and HMP Low Moss remain suspended at this time. These arrangements do not affect Virtual Visits.

Following advice from NHS Lanarkshire's Health Protection Team and the Scottish Government we are suspending visits to HMP Shotts from midnight tonight. HMP Shotts is regarded as a household and is within the area covered by the recent restrictions in place in Lanarkshire. Visits to HMP Barlinnie and HMP Low Moss also remain suspended. In addition, individuals from the restricted areas - North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow City, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire - should not visit any Scottish prison. Virtual visits and access to telephones remain available. These arrangements will be kept under review and further information will be posted when it is available.

United to Prevent Suicide Campaign Launch

Following advice from Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Protection Team and the Scottish Government we are suspending visits to HMP Low Moss with immediate effect. HMP Low Moss is regarded as a household and is within the area covered by the recent restrictions. Visits to HMP Barlinnie also remain suspended. In addition, individuals from the restricted areas - Glasgow City, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire - should not visit any Scottish prison. Virtual visits and access to telephones remain available. These arrangements will be kept under review and further information will be posted when it is available.

Following advice from Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Protection Team and the Scottish Government we are suspending visits to HMP Barlinnie with immediate effect. HMP Barlinnie is regarded as a household and is within the area covered by the recent restrictions. People coming from the affected areas – Glasgow City, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire – should not visit any Scottish prison. These arrangements will be kept under review and further information will be posted when it is available.

As a precautionary measure, some visits at HMP Low Moss have been temporarily suspended. If you visit someone in Clyde 2, please check the establishment to see if your visit is affected. This will be reviewed on Monday 31 August.

Peter Cummings, 66, a prisoner from HMP Shotts has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in 2013. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

With local restrictions being eased, visitors from Aberdeen City can now book visits at HMP & YOI Grampian. Further information on visits can be found at https://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/covid19/covid-19-information-hub.aspx

HMPYOI Grampian will re-commence physical visits from Monday 17 August 2020. Unfortunately at this time visitors from Aberdeen City will not be allowed to book visits whilst COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. The visit booking line will open on Thursday 13 August.

Please note that due to local lockdown measures in the City of Aberdeen Local Authority, physical visits at HMP Grampian are now suspended until further notice.

It has been 17 weeks since we made the difficult decision to suspend physical visits and, since then, we have been working on ways in which we can support and maintain family contact. We are happy to annouce that physcial visits across the entire prison estate will be available by Monday 3 August 2020. More information can be found at https://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/covid19/Information-for-families-and-friends.aspx

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died

Paul Dowds, 45, an untried prisoner from HMP Low Moss has died. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

Paul McAdam,36, an untried prisoner from HMP Addiewell has died. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

We recognise the value and importance of family contact and the impact that the restrictions we have had to put in place, particularly the suspension of visits, have had on those in our care and their families. We have been working hard to introduce initiatives to enable better contact and today we are delighted to announce that Virtual Visits will be available in 3 of our prisons from next week. These prisons are HMP & YOI Polmont, HMP & YOI Cornton Vale and HMP Shotts. Roll-out to the remaining prisons will happen in the coming weeks and we anticipate that Virtual Visits will be available in all our prisons by the end of the month. Booking for the first 3 sites opens on 11 June 2020. We will provide details on the when the booking for the remaining prisons will become live as it becomes available. Further information, including a Q&A and short video outlining the registration and booking process, can be found at https://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/covid19/Information-for-families-and-friends.aspx

Rene Howieson, 39, a prisoner from HMP Shotts has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in 2018. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

Alex Drysdale, 65 , a prisoner from HMP Perth has died. He was convicted at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court in February 2020. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

George Greenshields, 68, a prisoner from HMP Perth, has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in July1988. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

William Price, 78, an untried prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock, has died. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

William Price, 78, an untried prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock, has died. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

William Price, 78, an untried prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock, has died. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

William Price, 78, an untried prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock, has died. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

James Connor, 55, a prisoner at HMP Grampian has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in April 2018. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

Gordon Pinkerton, 70, a prisoner at HMP Dumfries has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in 2013. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

CORRECTION TO EARLIER POST In relation to the previous post of 24/04/20, Mr Pinkerton was 75.

John Dargacz, 54, a prisoner at HMP Low Moss, has died. He was convicted at Falkirk Sherriff Court in 2019. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

John Harrison, 73, a prisoner from HMP Barlinnie has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in June 2019. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

Frances McCarthy, 59, a prisoner from HMP Low Moss has died. He was convicted at Paisley High Court in 1985. Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

John Angus, 66, a prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died. He was convicted at Inverness High Court in 2010. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.

The Scottish Prison Service can today confirm that two prisoners within HMP Kilmarnock have tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with Health Protection Scotland and NHS colleagues to support those in our care and are following their advice. Clinically-led protocols for the management and care of those who contract COVID-19 are in place and Advice and guidance about steps which should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have already been issued to staff and those in our care. At this time there are no restrictions on movement in place therefore establishments are continuing to operate visits as normal. Anyone within our care who is presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 is required to self-isolate within their cell for seven days. Those who are self-isolating still have access to food and medication and we are working on ways to maintain communication with friends and family. There are currently 28 individuals in our care who are self-isolating as a result of presenting with symptoms.

Coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) began in China in January 2020 and there are now confirmed cases in over 100 countries across the world. On 1st March the first confirmed case in Scotland was reported and SPS are following national advice regarding steps that require to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Public information is available from www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus, and visitors to prison establishments are asked to note the posters on display in public areas.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died

Tayside MAPPA Significant Case review

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died

Please note that we have updated the prisoner deaths in custody information from 2009 - 2019.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

Telephone lines at HMP YOI Polmont are still currently unavailable any emergency contact should be made to 07825 035008

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

Please note that on Wednesday the 6th of March HMP Shotts will not be able to receive incoming calls between 9:45am and 2:00pm. This is due to the upgrading of the telephone system. In any emergency contact can be made via this mobile number 07881357302.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

Telephone lines at HMP & YOI will be unavailable today between 12 mid-day and 2pm. Please contact 07825 035 006 during this time . Please note this number will not be available out with this time.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

The telephone lines at HMP & YOI Polmont may be unavailable today between 12:00 and 14:00 hours please contact 07825 035 006

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP & YOI Polmont has died

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

Telephones lines at HMP & YOI Polmont are currently unavailable please contact 07825 035006

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

Road closure HMP Low Moss

Road closures around HMP Low Moss

Law Society of Scotland welcomes Criminal Justice Disability Project report.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

The Annual Report & Accounts are now available to read.

A prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Perth has died.

Community Custody Unit 'drop in' event, St Salvadors Street, Dundee.

The images for the proposed Community Custody Unit (CCU) at the former Our Lady’s Primary School site were unveiled today at the public at a ‘drop in’ information event held in Dundee.

Community Custody Unit 'drop in' event, St Salvadors Street, Dundee.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

Community ‘drop in’ Information Event Proposed Community Custody Unit, Maryhill Road Glasgow

The weather conditions have severely disrupted visits to Scotland’s prisons today. The only prisons where visits will take place today, Thursday, the 1st of March are : Dumfries, Grampian , Inverness and Kilmarnock.

For the third consecutive year HMP Grampian worked alongside the Fraserburgh and Peterhead “Gift Tree” to produce emergency food hampers, to be distributed to families deemed to be in need of assistance by various referral agencies co-ordinated by Aberdeenshire Council Social Work Dept.

A prisoner has died at HMP Glenochil

A prisoner has died at HMP Edinburgh

A prisoner has died at HMP Edinburgh

Early Years Scotland Family Visitors Centre was officially opened by Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years.

Public Consultation Event Proposed Women’s National Facility Cornton Vale, Stirling

Tammi Bruce, 34, a prisoner at HMP&YOI Polmont has died. She was remanded at Perth Sheriff Court on 6th November 2017. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry may be held in due course.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

A prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice today announced that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has acquired a site in Maryhill, Glasgow, with the intention of building one of the first Community Custody Unit (CCU) for women in Scotland there. The CCU will be based on the site of the former Maryhill Health Centre.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

In July 2017 the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) announced its intention for all prisons in Scotland to be smoke free by the end of 2018.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

Stuart Gibb, 29, a prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died. He was remanded at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 27th February 2017. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry may be held in due course.

A prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

Today SPS published a number of reports in compliance with the Scottish-specific public sector equality duties.

Phone lines at HMP Edinburgh are currently unavailable please call 07747 040194.

A prisoner at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner at HMP Shotts has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

HMP Low Moss new visits timetable.

A prisoner has died in custody.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

SPS has published a consultation draft of its Corporate Plan 2017/20

Our latest issue of Together - our partnership e-magazine, is now online.

For the purposes of clarification and in response to an article in a national newspaper today (14/02/17), the Scottish Prison Services wishes to make absolutely clear that it has not made any performance related payments or bonuses to any member of staff for many years.

The Scottish Prison Service has confirmed that they have identified a new site for the new HMP Highland.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner has at HMP and YOI Polmont has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

The SPS has launched a new publication called ‘Unlocking Our Potential’ which sets out the ‘Value Proposition’ being offered by the Prison service to partners in the justice sector and to the wider Scottish community.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

A prisoner at HMP Barlinnie has died.

Talk to Me went live on Monday 5th December replacing Act2Care as the SPS's prevention of suicide in prisons strategy.

The Scottish Prison Service, together with The Open Museum and New College Lanarkshire, today official launch ‘Barlinnie Special Unit – A way out of a dark time’.

The SPS is rolling out Stonewall’s No Bystanders campaign across the Service today, to coincide with anti-bullying week in the UK.

Phones lines at HMP Cornton Vale are currently down please call 07747040195 or 07899876238

Staff from HMP Low Moss visited Glasgow Children’s Hospital to donate unused toys and books from HMP Low Moss visits area.

Two prisoners have recently died in custody.

13th October is International Prison Education Day and HMP Barlinnie marked this with a celebration of learning. The event was delivered in partnership with New College Lanarkshire, Fife College, Open University Scotland, National Museums, Glasgow University, Napier University, Citizen’s Theatre, ‘Street Cones’ and Govan community based Choir.

Staff at Shotts are working hard to make it the first dementia-friendly prison in Scotland. The prison has teamed up with Alzheimer Scotland to run workshops for staff in order to raise awareness. The aim is to equip staff with the knowledge they need to identify dementia amongst prisoners, and help them get the support they need.

For Glasgow Pride, the weekend of the 20th and 21st August saw rainbow flags flying outside of prisons across Scotland.

A prisoner from HMP & YOI Grampian has died.

This week at HMP Edinburgh saw the launch of the new “My Daddy and the Police” booklet in partnership with Police Scotland.

Reach for autism contacted HMP Greenock to ask them to help provide a safe walkway from the front door to the back garden which would allow a safe passage for all of the service users who attend this facility, including wheelchair access.

A prisoner from HMP Edinburgh has died.

Two prisoners have recently died in custody.

​The Trussell Trust partners with local communities in an attempt to assist those experiencing hardship in their lives and, with this in mind, Low Moss decided to give their support to one of these local community Foodbanks and recently held a 7 day event where the objective was to collect food donations.

Staff in the Offender Outcomes Industries Team at HMP Shotts recently visited Robin House children’s hospice to see the work the prisoners in the Occupational area have completed and donated to CHAS.

A prisoner from HMP Low Moss has died.

HMP Low Moss hosted an employability event on Tuesday 28th June to review progress since the last event in February 2015, whilst further developing and creating new partnerships with likeminded individuals and organisations.

Statement on the consultation process on proposed prison site for HMP Highland.

On 7th and 8th July, at HMP Inverness, Trish Allan, Scottish national SMART co-ordinator, will deliver a peer facilitator training course for nine volunteers and service users in recovery, from the community, in addition to five prisoners actively engaged with the prison’s own SMART group.

On the 2nd and 3rd June, SPS hosted an international Symposium titled “Re-Imagining Custody, Community and Citizenship for 21st Century Scotland”.

A prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock has died.

Two prisoners have recently died in custody.

To recognise Volunteer Week, Low Moss invited the resident local volunteer group into the prison for a coffee morning and certificate presentation.

A prisoner from HMP Edinburgh has died.

HMP & YOI Grampian help to create a new school garden at Burnhaven Primary School.

A prisoner at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale has died.

Please find the proposals for the HMP Highland site here http://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/HMPHighlandProposal.aspx

The proposals for HMP Highland can be found here http://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Information/HMPHighlandProposal.aspx

James Sneddon, 35, a prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died. He was convicted at Glasgow High Court on 12th January 2009. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry may be held in due course.

The Scottish Prison Service has today jointly with the Parole Board for Scotland, Police Scotland, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service published a report on our Standards of Service for Victims.

A prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock has died.

A prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died.

The renewed partnership agreement "Forward Together" was signed today by Colin McConnell Chief Executive of the SPS and Phil Fairlie Chair of the SPS Trade Union Side (TUS).

We have now launched our new e-Magazine "Together"! Together celebrates just some of the fantastic collaborative work happening across prisons in Scotland. Click on Find Out More to access the new e-zine.

Recent Deaths in Custody.

On 19th February the SPS College held its annual ceremony to celebrate the successful completion by SPS staff of some of the college's formal development programmes.

A prisoner from HMP Perth has died.

HMP Castle Huntly have been working with Shelter to deliver an exciting new partnership initiative, which was officially launched last week after a successful pilot.

The Poverty Truth Commission have launched their new report for 2014-16, #namesnotnumbers. Published by Faith in the Community Scotland, the report outlines the work of the PTC and the key issues they have made recommendations for.

HMYOI Polmont and Fife College marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a moving event held on the 26th January.

A prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly has died.

Last night Scottish Prison Service was honored at Stonewall Scotland’s Top Scottish Employers launch event with a Special Recognition Award for our progressive policy on the treatment of trans people in custody.

A prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died.

A new Voluntary Industrial Relations agreement (VIRA) has been signed today between SPS and two of its principal Unions; Prospect and The Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland.

On 25th January, HMP Inverness prepared 35 traditional burns suppers and delivered them to the Highland Homeless Trust.

Recent deaths in custody.

HMP Dumfries have been supporting the local Winter Warmth for Older People Project within the Dumfries and Galloway region.

Recent deaths in custody

New College Lanarkshire worked with individuals at HMP YOI Cornton Vale and HMP Low Moss throughout the 16 days of action, launched on November 25.

A prisoner from HMP Perth has died.

Recent Deaths in Custody

HMP Inverness are working in partnership with Highland Homeless Trust cooking meals for the initiative “Food for Families” for the second year running.

A number of staff received Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Awards at a ceremony this week.

Barlinnie recently launched its very own radio station.

The SPS Annual Conference took place on the 4th and 5th November

Staff from all areas of HMP Edinburgh gathered recently in the visitors centre to give families an insight into what happens within prison.

A prisoner from HMP Perth has died.

An event at HMP Barlinnie was held recently to commemorate World Food Day.

A prisoner from HMP Barlinnie has died.

HMP Castle Huntly, our Open Estate were on the STV news again! Delighted to say that it was showcase the Doors Open Day event at the prison. Each year the Scottish Civic Trust engages various interesting places who are normally not open to the public, and they are allowed admittance.

Following on from last year’s success, Low Moss once again held the ‘First Day at School’ event.

This week saw Edinburgh International Book Festival step outwith Charlotte Square as part of their ‘Booked!’ series and into HMP Edinburgh, bringing the festival to the prison with a visit from Edwyn Collins and Grace Maxwell.

A prisoner in custody at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale has died.

The recently published Scottish Prison Service Arts Review was launched at HMP Shotts on 3rd August.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Low Moss has died.

HMP Greenock recently hosted a collaborative project in partnership with the Beacon Arts Centre called “Hidden”.

HMP & YOI Cornton Vale recently held an “You Active” Day in partnership with Youth Scotland.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Edinburgh has died.

The SPS Annual Report and Accounts for 2014-15 is now available.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Edinburgh has died.

HRH the Earl of Wessex visited HMYOI Polmont last week and presented Duke of Edinburgh certificates to those in our care.

An ambitious 24hr walk, run, row and cycle challenge at HMP Greenock has raised valuable funds for the Dreams Come True charity.

HMP Edinburgh held its second Lunar Walk on the 12th June to support Breast Cancer and the Walk the Walk charity.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Barlinnie has died.

On 27th – 29th May an International Symosium to consider the future direction of custody for women in Scotland was held in Edinburgh.

William Stuart, Governor at HMP Greenock, is pleased to host today’s official opening ceremony of the two newly built Community Integration Units.

An event on the 13th May celebrated the successes to date of the Barnardos Thrive project working with families in Perth & Kinross and Angus affected by imprisonment.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Addiewell has died.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Low Moss has died.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Inverness has died.

James Lieser, aged 38 failed to return to HMP Greenock following unescorted leave on Friday 24 April 2015.

The HMP Glenochil Charity “Million Metre Row” is now underway.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Edinburgh has died.

An event on Thursday 2nd April saw over 30 third sector partners promoting their services in HMP Perth.

A prisoner in custody at HMP Low Moss has died.

A 5 week family learning project was completed on Friday 27th March at HMP Perth. The “Family Fun Club” ran in partnership with Fife College, Barnardos and the SPS.

A prisoner in custody at HMP YOI Grampian has died.

A 5 week family learning project was completed on Friday 27th March at HMP Perth.

A prisoner from HMP Edinburgh has died.

The Board of Building Safer Communities recently visited Polmont and both Martin Johnstone, Building Safer Communities Board member and Secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council, and Wendy Wilkinson, Deputy Director for Safer Communities at Scottish Government, have blogged about their visit.

Further CPD Sessions for Teachers run by Families Outside in partnership with the SPS are underway in 2015 and proving to be a success.

A number of staff from HMP Barlinnie, HMP Castle Huntly, HMP Edinburgh, HMP Low Moss, HMP Perth and HMYOI Polmont received Chief Executive Awards at a ceremony in Edinburgh on the 11th March 2015.

On Tuesday 3rd March, men from HMP Perth took part in a Royal Conservatoire Scotland (RCS) performance called “Now You See It”.

On Friday 13th March, an employability event will take place at HMP Low Moss. There will be an address by Chief Executive, Colin McConnell, followed by talks from various employers and partners.

HMP Edinburgh is delighted that Michelle Mone visited on 10th March 2015, to promote and talk to prisoners about her new book. ‘My Fight to the Top’, published by Blink Publishers.

A special event to celebrate the completion of a 6 week radio programme was held at HMP Inverness on Tuesday 24th February. This partnership project provided by Radioskills involved Criminal Justice Social Work, Fife College, MFMT and the Scottish Prison Service.

On 23rd February, a Symposium on Prisoner Reintegration was held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, with the theme of “Creating Space for Change”.

HMP Edinburgh has just taken delivery of 6,000 books donated by Dunfermline based, Better World Books.

Following its success in 2013, Families Outside held a number of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) sessions for teachers in 2014.

A prisoner from HMP Glenochil has died at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

William Mailer, 71 a prisoner at HMP Edinburgh died at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He was convicted at Edinburgh High Court, October 21st 2014. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry will be held in due course.

The new visitors bus at HMYOI Polmont was opened on 13th January. The bus contains a kitchen, toilet/baby changing facility, confidential meeting space/office, comfortable seating, a dedicated children’s play area, a library area and more

Deaths in custody---- Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and fatal accident inquiry will be held in due course.

On Monday 24th November, the new Multi-Faith Centre opened at HMP Castle Huntly.

On the 10th November, the Safe Drive Stay Alive team visited HMYOI Polmont. Safe Drive Stay Alive is a multi-agency partnership led by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and also involving NHS, Police Scotland and families of victims, aimed at educating young people aged 16-25 in road safety awareness.

A number of staff from SPS establishments throughout Scotland were presented with Chief Executive awards at a ceremony last week.

A number of staff from HMP Edinburgh were presented with Chief Executive awards at a ceremony last week.

On Monday 4th August invited guests, staff and young offenders held a commemorative sevice to mark the centenary of the Great War

Scotrail’s “Adopt a Station” programme is designed to involve communities in the upkeep of their local stations. As part of the Inverclyde community, Greenock has been given the opportunity to design posters which will adorn the waiting room at Greenock Central station.

On Friday 13 June 2014 HMP YOI Cornton Vale hosted a sale of works. The event saw the prison sell goods produced by offenders, with all the proceeds going to three worthy causes – Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled; Aberlour Family Support Service in Glasgow and Eilidh Duncan, a local child suffering from a rare genetic disorder.

Castle Huntly has recently hosted a course to encourage football fans to get in shape. The Football Fans in Training (FFIT) course, facilitated by Glasgow University, took place between January and May and has led nine successful offenders to lose a combined weight of 8st.

On Friday 6 June prisoners at Edinburgh will walk for breast cancer. Pacing 6.5 miles around Edinburgh’s exercise yard, the women aim to raise money and awareness of breast cancer.