University of Glasgow researchers found that 51 people died in Scottish prisons in 2025, and that 2025 is likely to have brought the highest number of prison suicides on record.
Scotland’s Justice Secretary described closing the Victorian prison as the “current intention”, amid reports that overcrowding may force the prison service to keep it running.
Michael Stoney said overcrowding limits showers, time out of cell and access to education at HMP Barlinnie, and that the new HMP Glasgow is essential.
Six reports by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland found staff treated people with dignity, but raised concerns about ageing buildings, accessibility and unnecessary journeys.
The Scottish Prison Service has spent £51,239 on advice about portable cells to ease overcrowding, drawing criticism from opposition MSPs who called the cost embarrassing.
The Council of Europe’s anti-torture body says Scotland has no coherent plan to tackle prison overcrowding, and warns that conditions at HMP Barlinnie may breach the European Convention on Human Rights.
Billy McKay, who spent years caught up in drugs, alcohol, violence and prison, has published a memoir. He plans to give free copies to prisons and recovery groups.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray has launched a consultation on changes to release points and short sentences. Scotland’s prisons hold 8,459 people against an operating capacity of 8,007.
The Scottish Government has withdrawn its allocation policy and will not appeal after a Court of Session judge found the approach unlawful.
Neil Gray says community sentences can cut reoffending more effectively than short spells in custody, while prison should remain for those who present a risk.
