Linda Pollock, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, has praised staff for continuing to deliver positive outcomes despite the unprecedented challenges created by a record prison population.
The newly published Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 shows that the average daily prison population was 8,278, the highest average daily figure ever recorded by SPS in a reporting year.
The figures highlight the sustained pressure across the prison estate, with the usual fluctuations in prisoner numbers largely absent and population pressures remaining a consistent challenge over the course of the year.
Writing in her foreword to the report, Mrs Pollock acknowledged that this has been “a challenging and significant year for the SPS”.
One of the most significant undertakings of 2025-26 was the implementation of the emergency early release programmes. Without this, population levels would have been even higher pressures on establishments more acute.
Despite these challenges, Mrs Pollock commended staff for continuing to drive forward innovative work in areas including recovery, wellbeing, employability and family contact. This has contributed to increased hours of purposeful activity.
Many of these improvements have been supported by an estate-wide review of prison regimes and staff rosters, designed to ensure resources are deployed where and when they are needed most.
Mrs Pollock said: “Every improvement we make is ultimately to give people the tools, support, and opportunities they need to grow, make positive choices, and build healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Significant progress was also made in responding to recommendations from Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAIs). A dedicated Taskforce was established to oversee work across a range of areas including suicide prevention, safer physical environments, and the use of technology to enhance safety.
The report highlights the roll-out of a new non-pain inducing approach to control and restraint, following successful pilots in HMP & YOI Polmont, HMP & YOI Stirling and HMP Low Moss. Scotland is the first prison service in the world to introduce this method to strengthen safety for those in their care and staff.
Progress also continued on the construction of HMP Highland and HMP Glasgow, while a new Justice Partners Escort and Court Custody contract was successfully awarded.
Mrs Pollock, who became Chief Executive at the end of the reporting period, said that ensuring safety across Scotland’s prisons would remain her immediate priority. She said:
“My priority is the safety of all those living and working in our prisons, and I will continue to push for support and the right decisions to keep our establishments safe.
“Only with that foundation can we progress the work we are committed to - supporting those in our care, strengthening their family connections, and providing the rehabilitative opportunities that enable people to build better futures for themselves and their communities.”