Glasgow's Barlinnie prison could be turned into a visitor attraction or museum after its closure, a Scottish Labour MP has suggested.
Paul Sweeney, who represents the Glasgow North East constituency, described the site as "iconic" and said the move could be a good opportunity for the area.
The prison is due to shut in 2025 after plans were unveiled last year to sell it and replace it with a new purpose-built superjail.
"I went to visit the prison recently and was shocked by the conditions," Mr Sweeney told STV News.
"As well as overcrowding, there were people there suffering from mental health issues who should be in another facility.
"At the moment there isn't a clear plan for how it could be used when it's closed.
"Historically it's an iconic site - it's one of the most famous jails in Britain.
"There's potential to turn it into a visitor attraction or museum. It's a huge opportunity for someone with a big imagination."
Glasgow gangland figures including Paul Ferris and Jimmy Boyle are among the notable former inmates at the jail, along with Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi.
Former Rangers player Duncan Ferguson also spent 44 days at the prison after a headbutt on Raith Rovers defender Jock McStay during a match in 1995.
Former MSP Tommy Sheridan spent time at Barlinnie after he was found guilty of perjury.
Mr Sweeney said: "During my tour of the prison I was told some of the stories of the characters there, which included the Lockerbie bomber and the history of the hanging cell.
"If it was turned into a museum, it would be a good opportunity for the east end."
The Scottish Prison Service said: "The Government have a surplus land disposal policy. In the first instance, we would have to offer the land to other parts of Government to use it for other purposes.
"However, it would be our intention to dispose of the site when we no longer require it."
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