Assaults at Highland prison and delays to replacement reveal extent of SNP mismanagement

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has today said that the SNP’s mismanagement of the prison system is prevalent across Scotland as he revealed there have been scores of assaults on prisoners and staff at HMP Inverness, with its replacement prison now in its eighth round of delays.

With a design capacity of just 103 prisoners, HMP Inverness is one of Scotland’s smallest prisons. Despite its small size, a parliamentary question from Mr McArthur found that there have been 136 assaults on prisoners and staff in the past five years.

A further parliamentary question reveals that the Scottish Government has adjusted the timeline for the delivery of its replacement prison, HMP Highland, on eight occasions since it was originally proposed more than a decade ago.

HMP Inverness is more than 120 years old. Its replacement will arrive six years later than initially scheduled and will cost four times more than originally estimated, increasing from £52m to £209m.

Mr McArthur said:

“HMP Inverness is one of Scotland’s smallest prisons, and yet violence has become commonplace.

“SNP ministers have allowed a replacement prison for the Highlands and Islands to be delayed eight times so far. Along with delays in replacing Barlinnie, this only reinforces a sense that the government has failed to get to grips with prison overcrowding.

“These pressure cooker conditions put staff at risk, undermining efforts to rehabilitate prisoners and cut reoffending. The Justice Secretary must now explain what measures she is taking to keep prisoners and staff safe.

“Given concerns about possible further delays, she must also be open with Parliament and the public about the timescale for completion of HMP Highland, and whether any further cost overruns are expected.”