Scottish Prison Service

Scottish Prison Service Helping to build a safer Scotland - Unlocking Potential - Transforming Lives This is the official corporate page of the Scottish Prison Service.

This page is only monitored during office hours. If you have concerns about the immediate health, safety and well-being of someone in our care, please phone the prison they are located in. Phone numbers for prisons can be found here: http://www.sps.gov.uk/Prisons

HMP Edinburgh recently celebrated Festival Week, bringing the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe into the establish...
27/08/2026

HMP Edinburgh recently celebrated Festival Week, bringing the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe into the establishment through a diverse programme of music, sport and family-focused activities designed to support wellbeing, strengthen connections and encourage positive engagement.

The programme began with acoustic guitar performances from Graeme and Albo, and a family event saw members of the Menzshed group perform for their loved ones, showcasing their talents and providing a valuable opportunity for families to spend time together. A sports evening also encouraged families to take part in activities together and build positive memories.

Elsewhere, a DJ competition and a live performance from the Smokehouse Blues Band provided to be a big hit. Participants also took part in a HYROX fitness challenge, supported by special guest Liam McRoary, HMP & YOI Polmont Activities Officer and HYROX world champion, who assisted in delivering the event.

Festival Week concluded with a Menzshed open mic performance and a gospel choir evening thanks to the Amazing Life Gospel Choir, bringing the celebrations to a memorable close.

A total of 513 attendees were recorded across the week, reflecting the scale of the programme and the commitment of staff and partners who helped bring Festival Week to life. The wide range of activities provided important opportunities to support mental health, reduce social isolation, strengthen family relationships and foster a greater sense of community.

Thank you to everyone involved in making it such a successful and memorable event.

We're currently recruiting for Residential Officers, based at various locations across Scotland.You don’t need experienc...
26/08/2026

We're currently recruiting for Residential Officers, based at various locations across Scotland.

You don’t need experience of working within a prison environment to become a Residential Officer. What you do need is the belief that you can make a difference to the lives of those in our care.

We're looking for people with transferable skills from a range of backgrounds. This could include working in caring roles, supporting vulnerable people with specific needs; working in a fast-paced customer service environment, managing competing demands and de-escalating challenging situations; or supporting others in an educational setting in a non-judgemental and encouraging way.

Your experience could help to change lives. Take the next step and apply to become a Residential Officer with the SPS.

🕐 Full time (35 hours)
💷 Salary £37,682 - £44,248 p/a
📆 Closing date 11 September 2026

Find out more: https://www.sps.gov.uk/careers

Individuals in our care at HMP Perth and their children enjoyed a unique opportunity to spend quality time together away...
25/08/2026

Individuals in our care at HMP Perth and their children enjoyed a unique opportunity to spend quality time together away from the usual visits room environment.

After dressing up as astronauts, families stepped inside the pop-up planetarium dome and embarked on an exciting 20-minute journey through space. The experience provided a fun, memorable way for them to connect while exploring the wonders of the universe together.

HMP Barlinnie's Resource Hub recently welcomed Glasgow-based celebrity chef turned novelist Ferrier Richardson, and writ...
24/08/2026

HMP Barlinnie's Resource Hub recently welcomed Glasgow-based celebrity chef turned novelist Ferrier Richardson, and writer Alex Meikle for a special Q&A session with those in our care.

The pair shared insights into their careers and discussed their collaboration on the novel The Kitchen Vigilante. The session sparked plenty of questions and discussion among attendees, and we are grateful to Ferrier and Alex for taking the time to share their experiences and donate copies of their book.

21/08/2026

STV News recently visited the Lilias Community Custody Unit in Glasgow to see how its innovative approach to custody for women works in practice.

Opened in 2022, the Lilias Centre provides a community-based custodial environment for women preparing for release. Residents live in shared homes rather than traditional prison cells, and are supported to build the skills, confidence and stability needed for a successful return to the community.

Working closely with partner organisations, the unit offers tailored support to help women address the challenges that may have contributed to their offending, including mental health, recovery, housing, employability and family relationships.

Early signs suggest the approach is having a positive impact, with reoffending rates among women released from Lilias around 11% lower than the national average.

STV spoke to residents and staff about how specialist support, increased independence and stronger community links are helping women build positive futures beyond custody.

Read: https://news.stv.tv/west-central/lilias-could-a-new-approach-to-womens-prisons-help-ease-scotlands-overcrowding-crisis

21/08/2026

💚 Rescue Dog Update 💚

Bella has been adopted 🥳

Bella attended a few courses with our young people at Scottish Prison Service during her time with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home 💚

Bella worked hard learning new skills, achieving her The IMDT level 3 training 🌟

We wish her every success in her new home 🏠

HMP Castle Huntly recently welcomed nine families for a sports day event last weekend, giving loved ones the opportunity...
20/08/2026

HMP Castle Huntly recently welcomed nine families for a sports day event last weekend, giving loved ones the opportunity to spend quality time together and make positive memories.

The families enjoyed a range of activities including cake decorating, face painting, temporary tattoos and paper crafts, while an outdoor obstacle course and mini race track brought plenty of fun and friendly competition. Participants took part in classic races including sack races, egg and spoon races, three-legged races and wheelbarrow races.

Feedback from the visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with one saying: "Loads to do, we really enjoyed it. We live 2.5 hours away so it felt like quality time together, especially because we are unable to visit every week."

A big thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a success.

As part of their 'Good Neighbour' initiative, individuals in our care at HMP Perth created a set of bespoke helicopter-t...
19/08/2026

As part of their 'Good Neighbour' initiative, individuals in our care at HMP Perth created a set of bespoke helicopter-themed auction paddles for use at Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance - SCAA fundraising ball.

The event supported the launch of Operation Skyward, a major fundraising campaign aimed at raising the additional £2 million required each year to bring the most advanced emergency medical response helicopter of its type into service in Scotland.

The handcrafted paddles played a prominent role throughout the evening's fundraising activities and were later auctioned themselves at the conclusion of the event. Their unique design and craftsmanship proved popular with guests and we are delighted that their sales raised a further £1,100 for the charity.

In July and August, almost 100 pieces of artwork and poetry created by individuals in custody at HMP Castle Huntly, HMP ...
18/08/2026

In July and August, almost 100 pieces of artwork and poetry created by individuals in custody at HMP Castle Huntly, HMP Low Moss and HMP Inverness were exhibited at Dornoch Cathedral as part of Pictora's Made Visible exhibition.

Pictora is a social enterprise that works with people in custody to support rehabilitation through creativity, helping to build confidence and self-esteem, encourage self-expression and challenge negative perceptions.

The exhibition sought to break down barriers between prisons and communities, giving visitors the opportunity to see the talent, creativity and humanity behind the artwork of those in custody. For many of the artists, it was a chance to be recognised for their skills and achievements, rather than their past.

Robert Morrall, co-director of Pictora, said: "If someone decides in prison to be brave enough to exhibit work, it challenges the labels they have given themselves. The label can change from a prisoner and offender to an artist. If we are changing the label, we change the behaviour and what people can do in society."

Building on the success of previous exhibitions, Made Visible welcomed visitors from across Scotland and beyond, sparking conversations about the role creativity can play in rehabilitation, wellbeing and positive change.

Read more: https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/made-visible-exhibition-returns-to-dornoch-cathedral-with-pr-440943/

HMP Barlinnie recently welcomed Susan Gilbert from Good Vibes Meditation Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust to deliver a...
17/08/2026

HMP Barlinnie recently welcomed Susan Gilbert from Good Vibes Meditation Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust to deliver a breathwork and mindfulness session for those in our care.

The session introduced practical techniques to help participants manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience. Through guided breathing exercises and mindfulness practices, individuals explored ways to develop greater self-awareness, improve focus, and support their overall wellbeing.

Participants also took part in a reflective goal-setting exercise, encouraging them to think positively about the future and identify meaningful changes they would like to make in their lives.

Good Vibes Meditation was founded by Susan, whose own lived experience and mental health journey inspired her to create a space where individuals can access practical tools, guidance and opportunities to improve their mental wellbeing. The organisation delivers a range of services including breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, life coaching, and community-based wellbeing programmes.

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