A prison based in the Carse of Gowrie should be replaced by a brand new jail facility, according to a recent government inspection.
The report findings on the country’s only open prison, HMP Castle Huntly at Longforgan, also suggest “substantial modernisation and refurbishment” as another alternative.
The largely positive report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) was published on Tuesday, stating the facility was outdated and ushered calls for further investment.
The current Castle Huntly structure in Perthshire was completed in the second half of the 15th century to replace its predecessor, which burned to the ground in a fire.
During the war years, the castle was used as a girl’s probation school before being purchased in 1946 by the Scottish Home and Health Department for use as a borstal and, today, it still belongs to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).
Now it functions as an adult male offender’s institution with a current capacity of 285 low supervision adult male offenders from any local authority.
The jail is a platform for offenders to learn a range of skills in preparation for their release.
The report suggests the historic building may not be fully fit for purpose and that operators SPS should look at replacing or revamping it.
A full rebuild would ensure “modern single cell accommodation with in-cell toilet and showers for all residents”.
The inspectorate also questioned the size and number of accessible cells for prisoners with additional needs.
The report reads: “To remain at the forefront of modern penology, we would like the SPS to seriously consider investment in the future of HMP Castle Huntly, either recognising the strong existing community relationships through substantial modernisation and refurbishment of the accommodation blocks, with development of single cell accommodation for the whole population, or investment in an alternative site.”
It adds: “The SPS are required to maintain a listed building at HMP Castle Huntly, but the accommodation areas are outdated and do not represent a pre-release experience akin to living in the community.
“The SPS should consider whether an alternative purpose-built establishment might be more appropriate and provide significant cost savings in the longer term.”
In response, a Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “There are currently no plans to redevelop HMP Castle Huntly.”
