The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has suspended all visits to its prisons in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
An SPS statement released on Tuesday announced the move came after a 'rising concern' from inmates and staff, as well as guidance from Public Health.
The statement read: " COVID-19 is impacting on all areas of life, including here in the prison estate.
"We have been considering all the necessary steps that we could take to prevent the risk of the virus spreading and difficult decisions have to be made to protect the health of those living and working in our prisons.
"The Scottish Prison Service has today taken the difficult decision to suspend visits across our estate.
"The situation is changing fast.
"In response to the rising concern from those in custody, and from staff about visits, together with the reducing number of people attending visits and with Public Health advice to stay at home, we feel this is the right thing to do to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
"The decision will come into effect from Tuesday, March 24 2020 across all establishments.
"Critical agent visits will continue to be facilitated, however with the reduction in court business, it is anticipated that these types of visits will reduce. "
The statement continued: "We are quickly working to look at ways in which we can support and maintain family relationships at this time.
"This is also an anxious time for all living and working in our prisons.
"The situation is changing fast and we would like to assure you that we are working tirelessly to prepare for, and respond to the challenges we all face."
Coronavirus has claimed the lives of 16 Scots.
So far 548 people in Scotland have tested positive for the virus.
Last week we told how two inmates at Kilmarnock prison in Ayrshire had tested positive for coronavirus.
To keep updated follow our coronavirus in Scotland live blog.
