News
Dungavel House IRC keeps good grades, but inspectors find women treated unequally
Scotland's only immigration removal centre scored good on three of four tests, but inspectors said women held there faced restrictions that men did not.
Prison profile
Dungavel House IRC
Immigration removal centre Privately operated
Population133of 150 operational places (89%)
Last inspectedSeptember 2025Full inspection, unannounced
Latest inspection
At its last full inspection (September 2025; report published December 2025), inspectors found outcomes for detainees were reasonably good for activities; good for safety, respect and preparation for removal and release. It held 133 detainees at the time, against an operational capacity of 150. It is run by Mitie Care and Custody.
Read our story Read the inspection report
Healthy prison tests: inspectors grade four areas from 1 (poor) to 4 (good).
Inspection history
- Safety: good · Respect: good · Activities: reasonably good · Preparation for removal and release: good Read our story
- Safety: good · Respect: good · Activities: reasonably good · Preparation for removal and release: good Read our story
Our reporting
News
Dungavel House IRC still among best in detention estate, inspectors found in 2021
The inspectorate's report on Dungavel House immigration removal centre, published in November 2021, found a safe and caring centre, though some detainees were held far too long, including accepted victims of torture.