Settling in

When someone is settling into life in custody, their families and loved ones often have questions about how they are coping, what support is available, and how they can stay connected. 

This page brings together key information about settling into prison, wellbeing support, communication, visits, and practical arrangements, to help you feel informed and supported during this time.

If you have an immediate concern for someone's mental health or wellbeing, at any point during their time in custody, a 24-hour concern phoneline is available in every Scottish prison, seven days per week.

In order for you to send in property, the person in custody must first complete a pro-forma to declare what items they will be receiving.

When posting in items, mark the parcel for the individual in custody's attention. To ensure the parcel arrives safely, you can send it recorded delivery (cost incurred at the post office). We also advise to put a return address on the parcel.

Only items that are listed on the pro-forma can be sent to the prison. Anything included that is not listed will not be given to the person in custody, and may incur a cost to be returned.

The process for sending in property can vary between prisons, and some allow for property to be dropped off in-person. Please check the relevant prison page for full details.

Convicted individuals are entitled to at least two hours of visits in any 28 day period.

Those on remand are entitled to a visit of at least 30 minutes on any day of the week, other than a Saturday or Sunday.

You are also able to have a virtual visit with your loved one.

Visiting times, booking processes and procedures vary between prisons. Please visit the webpage of the prison where your loved one is located for more information.

Financial support is available to help towards the cost of visiting someone in prison.

• The 'Help with prison visit scheme' can help towards one visit every two weeks and payment can be made to your bank account. This has recently been expanded to include extra support for families living on Scotland's islands.
• The Air Discount Scheme provides residents of Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Caithness and north-west Sutherland with a 50% discount on the core air fare on eligible services.
• Young persons (under 22) are entitled to free bus travel with a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or a Young Sot card.
• If you live in Edinburgh or the Lothians and receive certain benefits, Sacro may be able to help you visit using their team of volunteer drivers.