Scottish Prison Service

31/03/2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - 31 MARCH 2026

We are currently aware of an issue affecting users on the O2 network and associated Virtual Network Operators (including Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile), where callers are unable to select options when dialling into an establishment’s phone system.

This matter has been escalated to our Internet Service Provider for further investigation, and we are awaiting their resolution.

If you are experiencing difficulty contacting us, please use a device with a different network if you can.

All establishment phone numbers are listed here:

31 March 2026 - We are currently aware of an issue affecting users on the O2 network and associated Virtual Network Operators (including Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile), where callers are unable to select options when dialling into an establishment’s phone system.This matter has been escala...

26/03/2026

We’re now in the pre-election period.

As an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, our social media activity is restricted until after the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May.

More information ➡http://bit.ly/4sUNfHK

25/03/2026

Ever considered a career as a Prison Officer but weren’t sure if it was right for you?

Come along to our recruitment open days at HMP Inverness and discover what it’s truly like to make a difference every day.

📅 Friday 10 April – 6pm
📅 Saturday 11 April – 10am to 1:30pm
📍 HMP Inverness, Duffy Drive, Inverness, IV2 3HH

Find out more, or register your interest: www.sps.gov.uk/careers

25/03/2026

Individuals in our care at HMP Barlinnie recently completed a five‑day Barista Training Course, made possible through funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The course was delivered by Change Please, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness into sustainable employment through barista skills and onward job pathways.

Across the week, eight participants explored the science of coffee before moving on to hands‑on practice with professional equipment. They learned to prepare a range of coffees and then put their new skills into action during an ‘experience day’, simulating the fast‑paced reality of taking and managing multiple customer orders.

The programme concluded with an ‘employer day’, giving participants the chance to meet organisations partnered with Change Please, including David Lloyd Clubs, Sodexo, Social Bite, and We Love Coffee.

Kirsty Reid from Change Please said: "Thank you to SPS and DWP for hosting and funding the course. Your commitment to creating real opportunities makes this work possible. We are incredibly grateful not only for the support behind the scenes, but also to the staff from both organisations who looked after us so well — both in the lead-up to the course and throughout the week itself.

"A special thank you to the fantastic team at We Love Coffee for providing all of our equipment for the week and for delivering such a valuable and inspiring employer talk on Friday. Your support truly elevated the experience for our trainees.”

Following the success of this pilot, it is hoped that the training course will return in the near future so even more individuals can benefit from the opportunities it creates.

24/03/2026

HMP Perth has delivered a powerful week of events aimed at challenging attitudes around football‑related violence and highlighting its wider links to knife crime and domestic abuse. The programme brought together lived‑experience speakers, community partners, and professionals to spark honest conversations and promote safer pathways for individuals in custody.

The establishment welcomed representatives from Kick It Out, an organisation dedicated to tackling discrimination and violence within football culture.

Provost Jim Leishman MBE, former Dunfermline FC manager, and Stevie Kirk, former Motherwell FC player, also contributed to the programme, offering their perspectives on football violence from the viewpoint of those on the pitch looking out.

Keri Duffy, Coordinator & Learning and Development Officer at the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership, led a session exploring concepts of masculinity under the theme “What is a man?” and examined how football culture can influence attitudes and behaviours linked to domestic abuse.

The week concluded with a “Knives Down, Gloves Up” BoxFit event, promoting structured, regulated sport as a positive alternative to becoming involved in street violence.

24/03/2026

For more than a decade, HMP Kilmarnock has partnered with Ayrshire College to deliver high‑quality vocational training in bricklaying, painting, and decorating.

These programmes have recently been refreshed and brought together in a new joint workshop. This integrated learning environment enables prisoners to work towards SQA Level 4 and 5 qualifications, creating a clear pathway to further study with Ayrshire College upon release.

Participants also have the opportunity to apply their skills through real projects across the prison grounds. This not only strengthens their learning but also equips them with industry-relevant experience that they can carry forward into employment.

23/03/2026

HMP Grampian recently held a disability awareness event, bringing together external speakers and men in our care for a session focused on understanding disability and the different kinds of support available.

The event was organised by Grampian’s Equality and Diversity Champion, Tony, with support from Sarah in the education team, and is part of the prison’s ongoing work to highlight each core area of equality and diversity.

The first speaker was Sone, a Sociology Lecturer from the University of Aberdeen. Sone talked about different ways of understanding disability and explained how society can influence the experiences of disabled people. They described the difference between the medical model, which focuses on someone’s condition, and the social model, which looks at the barriers created by attitudes and the environment — for example, places that don’t have wheelchair access. Sone explained the importance of this model in disability advocacy.

Next, Sarah from the education team led an interactive communication activity. She asked participants to complete a drawing task without using spoken words, helping them experience how challenging and frustrating communication can be for people who cannot speak or hear. This encouraged discussion on how adapting communication approaches can make everyday interactions more inclusive.

The group then heard from Julie, HMP Grampian’s Head NHS Nurse, who gave an overview of the physical and mental health aids available within the prison to support people with disabilities and additional needs.

Kirsty Blackman, MP for Aberdeen North, discussed her role in representing and helping people in the local area, which includes ensuring sufficient disability support is provided. She spoke about the legal responsibilities organisations have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people under the Equality Act 2010, and how this supports fairness within the community.

Finally, Adam Golebiewski shared his own inspirational story of adapting to life after losing both lower legs, aged 17, in a car crash. Adam was a keen footballer before, but now stays involved with his club as a first aider. He has also been approached by British Snowsports society to try out skiing, with the possibility of going to the Paralympics one day! He has shown great resilience adapting to his circumstances, and determination to not let his disability take over his life.

23/03/2026

As part of the HMP Highland project, we're working alongside UHI Inverness to better understand the social impact of our prisons, and we’re asking for your views.

UHI’s researchers are gathering insights from family members of people in custody, partner organisations, and our wider communities across Scotland. This feedback will play an important role in shaping how the new prison operates.

The findings will help to inform a framework for social impact management at HMP Highland, ensuring we work in a way that genuinely benefits our communities.

The survey is anonymous and takes around 10 minutes to complete.

You can take part here: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/community-members-perspectives-about-hmp-highland

20/03/2026

Over recent months, individuals in our care at HMP Barlinnie and HMP Low Moss have had the opportunity to take part in a series of creative writing courses designed to build confidence, encourage reflection and unlock new forms of self‑expression.

Emma Armstrong (also known as The Wee Glesga Poet) has delivered four of these courses, guiding participants through six weeks of poetry, storytelling and personal expression.

Individuals put pen to paper to create pieces that were honest, thoughtful and deeply meaningful, and their works have now been brought together in a special anthology titled ‘Poetic Patter in Prison’ — a collection created for participants to keep, with additional copies placed in the prison libraries.

Reflecting on the experience, Emma said: "Working alongside every Poet published in Poetic Patter in Prison has been a privilege. They trusted me with their words, their truths, and their lived experiences.
“What they shared was not always easy. At times it was raw, heavy and deeply emotional and at other times it was sharp-witted, entertaining and full of light.
"To witness the courage it takes to put pain, regret, hope and humour onto a page has been humbling and I thank them for reminding us all of the strength that can be found in simply telling the truth.”

19/03/2026

We’re thrilled to share that HMP Edinburgh Library, Oxgangs Library and the Mobile Library Service have been named Scotland’s Library of the Year at The British Book Awards 2026!

This award celebrates the impact of the Secret Santa Project — a first‑of‑its‑kind initiative that gave people in custody a specially selected, gift‑wrapped book to open on Christmas Day.

The project began with the Prison Librarian sending registration cards to the entire prison population — including those who weren’t current library users. Individuals used these slips to register interest and choose preferred genres, with the librarian emphasising that the books would come from public libraries and be selected by public library assistants. This widened the range of available reading material and strengthened the connection to public libraries, encouraging people to register upon release.

Each gift‑wrapped book included a holiday card from the library assistant who selected it, explaining why it was chosen, along with a handmade bookmark. These were delivered to individuals on Christmas Eve.

A simple act of kindness with a powerful purpose: supporting wellbeing, reducing loneliness over the festive period, improving literacy, and encouraging engagement with the library both in custody and in the community. A huge well done to everyone involved!

The partnership will now go forward for the overall Library of the Year Award, with the national winner to be announced at The British Book Awards 2026 on 11 May.

18/03/2026

HMP Kilmarnock has welcomed individuals from across the establishment to an open day celebrating the launch of its brand new Wellbeing Centre.

Over recent weeks, staff and those in our care have worked side by side to transform a former industrial work shed into a relaxed and versatile space designed to support wellbeing. The result is a warm, welcoming environment that can host a wide range of activities, events and classes.

A full weekly programme has been developed with a range of partner organisations getting involved. So far this includes: Minds Of Recovery , AA, Scottish Drugs Forum , The Nest Wellbeing Group - Cumnock, Scottish Recovery Consortium, and Prison Fellowship Scotland 's Sycamore Tree course.

Support and Wellbeing Officers Jennifer and Maria hope to extend the offering further with plans to introduce therapet sessions, yoga classes and bereavement support.

The centre marks a significant step forward in creating opportunities for support, personal growth and connection within the establishment.

17/03/2026

HMP & YOI Stirling brought together colleagues from across the establishment for the annual staff wellbeing day.

While fitness challenges were a highlight for many - shout out to Sister Placida for the longest plank hold - the event emphasised that wellbeing extends far beyond physical health.

Staff had the opportunity to explore the extensive support available across the SPS, including employee benefits, pensions guidance, legal advice, and emotional wellbeing services.

The event was also an opportunity to raise funds for Women's Aid, who are a big support to many of the women in our care. Peter Lang of the establishment's Estates Team generously donated 200 cheesecakes, which together with a raffle, raised a fantastic £485.37 for the charity!