Change to Release Point for Some Short-Term Prisoners

The Scottish prison population has continued to rise rapidly, reaching a new record high in March 2026. In response to this, the Scottish Government have voted to change the point of release for some Short-Term Prisoners. They will now be released at the 30% point of their sentence, instead of at the 40% point.

However, it will not apply to short-term prisoners currently serving sentences:

  • Where a statutory aggravation as described in section 1(1)(a) of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016 has been
    attached to an offence;
  • Under section 1(1) of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018; or
  • For offences listed in paragraphs 36 to 60 of schedule 3 of the Sexual
    Offences Act 2003.

Individuals who fall into the above categories, will continue to be released after serving 50% of their sentence.

The change in law applies retrospectively meaning it will apply to those currently serving short-term sentences. We understand victims may want to know if this affects the offender in their case.

I'm registered with the Victim Notification Scheme, will I be told if the offender's release date changes?

We will contact you if there is a change to your offender’s release date as a result of this new legislation, before they are released.

Where a telephone number is held for you, we will contact you by telephone. If we are unable to reach you by telephone and hold an address for you, we will send you a letter.

I'm not registered with the Victim Notification Scheme, how can I find out the release date of an offender?

You can still find out whether someone is going to be released early under the new legislation. To request this, you can contact our Victim Notification Team by:
Phone: 0131 330 3664 (lines open Monday to Friday, 8am - 3pm).
Email: [email protected]

Our team will first confirm your eligibility with the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, or the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, then provide you with the person's new release date by telephone or letter.

Alternatively, you can ask Victim Support Scotland or Children First to do this on your behalf.

Once we have checked your eligibility, your chosen support organisation will share the new release date with you.

Who is eligible to join the Victim Notification Scheme?

Accessing Support

There are many organisations in Scotland that can offer you help and support. Contact details for many victim support organisations can be found on our website.

Support for Victims