We encourage individuals to manage their time in custody constructively, engage positively with others and build a sense of routine and responsibility.
Daily Life, support and opportunities
All individuals are entitled to one hour in the open air, every day. They also have what’s known as ‘recreation’; that is time out of their cell daily to socialise with their peers in the residential area.
They also have opportunities to attend the library, religious services and visits with family, at set times during the week.
Every establishment offers a core range of work opportunities essential to the daily operation of the prison, such as roles in the kitchen, laundry, cleaning, and grounds maintenance.
Beyond this, the range of work activities varies across establishments. Many prisons operate workshops that provide vocational training in areas such as joinery, painting and decorating, bricklaying, and waste management. These workshops are often delivered in partnership with higher education providers, enabling individuals to work towards recognised qualifications that support their employability on release. Some establishments also have in‑house radio stations, where individuals can write, produce, and present programmes that are broadcast internally.
Individuals can also attend the education centre and access a range of courses ranging from introductory level through to Highers, with pathways to HNCs, HNDs and Degrees. Subjects include English, Mathematics, History, Art and Music.
Health, wellbeing and recovery
Health care services in prisons are provided by the respective local Health Boards and full details can be found here. In every establishment, there is a health centre which has a multi-disciplinary team of GPs, Primary Care Nurses, Mental Health Nurses and Addictions Nurses. There are also visiting dentists and opticians.
Individuals are also able to access a gymnasium, normally weekly timetables are in place to ensure equal access for all.
In addition, there are areas where a range of wellbeing and recovery-related activities and groups are offered. Many of these are run in partnership with external organisations such as AA, Scottish Recovery Consortium, Recovery Coaching Scotland and the Scottish Drugs Forum.
Integrated Case Management (ICM)
ICM is the main case conference process used in prisons to review an individual's progress in custody. It brings together SPS staff, Social Work and Psychology to discuss needs, risks and what support or action is required next. The main aim of ICM is to reduce the risk of reoffending and to ensure a smooth return to the community upon release.
The individual in custody attends this meeting and is fully involved in the discussion. You are also welcome to attend if your loved one wishes to invite you.
Progression and RMT
Progression is the process of helping someone move through their sentence in a planned and supported way so they can safely return to the community. As a person in custody shows positive behaviour, engages with support and meets their goals, they may move to different parts of the prison system that offer more responsibility, more independence and more opportunities. This is to help them prepare for life after release.
The Risk Management Team (RMT) is a decision-making forum in each prison that looks carefully at the available information and considers whether someone is suitable for progression, including National Top End (NTE) and the Open Estate.
We have created guides on both the National Top End and Open Estate.
National Top End - Information for Families
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- 22nd September 2026
Open Estate & Home Leave - Information for Families
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- 22nd September 2026
Parole
Parole is a process that enables someone in custody to be released to serve the remainder of their sentence on licence in the community under the supervision of a Justice Social Worker.
If released on parole license, your loved one is subject to conditions and may be recalled to prison if they breach any of them.
Parole is only granted where the Parole Board, who are independent of the Prison Service, are satisfied that the risk presented by the individual can be managed safely in the community.
We have created a clear, easy‑to‑follow guide which sets out everything families need to know about the parole process in one place.
Parole - Information for Families
- 441.32 kb
- 22nd September 2026
Home Detention Curfew (HDC)
Home Detention Curfew (HDC) allows some people in prison to spend the last part of their sentence at home or another approved address instead of in custody. They will wear an electronic tag on their ankle so that their curfew can be monitored.
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- They must stay at their approved address every night during their curfew, usually 7:30pm to 7:30am.
- They can still go to work, and curfew times may be changed to support their job.
- HDC helps people move back into the community in a safe and supported way.
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- If they qualify, they may only need to spend 15% of their sentence in prison before being considered for HDC.
- Around three months before their HDC date, they will receive an application form.
- Staff are available to help them complete the form if needed.
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- They complete and return the application form.
- The prison gathers information to check if HDC is suitable.
- Social Work may visit the address to make sure it is safe and appropriate.
- A decision is made based on all the information.
- Your loved one will receive the decision in writing.
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A person is not eligible for HDC if they:
- Are on the sex offenders register
- Are facing deportation
- Are serving a Section 17 recall
- Are under a hospital direction
- Have an extended sentence
- Have a supervised release order
- Have an untried warrant
- Are serving a non‑offence term at the same time as their main sentence