This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Low Moss Prison report
15/07/2004
The conversion of six dormitories into cell
accommodation has made a very obvious difference to life in
Low Moss Prison, according to the latest report from Dr
Andrew McLellan the Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Dormitory living conditions, in which up to 27
short-term prisoners live together in one large room, have
made Low Moss different from all other Scottish
prisons.
Now refurbishment has led to improvements in morale,
dignity and safety, and a reduction in violence, anxiety
and depression.
However, over one third of prisoners in Low Moss still
live in dorms, which were first used as an RAF camp at the
time of the Second World War.
Dr Andrew McLellan's report describes a follow up
inspection in April 2004 and draws attention to:
- Almost two thirds of prisoners now living in very
good refurbished cells
- Significant progress in tackling levels of violence
and bullying
- Improvements in dealing with addictions
problems
- Improved PE facilities
However, the report also finds:
- Unsatisfactory arrangements for the provision of
clean underwear
- Almost no opportunities to train for a work
qualification
Dr McLellan said:
"Six dormitories have now been refurbished to provide
very good, cell-based living conditions for about two
thirds of prisoners.
"These improvements are not just superficial - there has
been a reduction in violence at the prison, which
traditionally had to deal with considerable levels of
disorder and concerted indiscipline.
"Levels of anxiety and depression have dropped and there
were also indications that staff were determined to make
the best of Low Moss, despite the imminent prospect of
closure.
"Against this very positive background it has to be
remembered that more than one third of prisoners still live
in sub-standard, open dormitories.
"Low Moss also has a persistent problem with the regular
provision of adequate clean clothing. Prisoners have almost
no opportunity to wear their own clothing.
"Worse still, it is not easy to have clean underwear
each day. Shortages have been blamed on prisoners
stock-piling underwear in their rooms - forcing others to
wash their underwear in dormitory sinks. It is not good to
find that, despite improvements in the range of clothing
issued and revised arrangements in the laundry, prisoners
still cannot be guaranteed the decency of clean underwear
which fits them.
"Every prisoner has work but very few have training
opportunities. Since prisoners can be serving sentences as
long as three and a half years more needs to be done to
give them opportunities for employment on release".
Scotland's prisons are subject to regular inspection. A
full inspection normally takes place every three years and
examines all aspects of the establishment.
Follow up inspections are carried out in years where a
full inspection does not take place and these examine
points of note raised in previous inspections, examine
significant changes since then, and explore issues arising
from the establishment's own assessment of itself.
The inspection of Low Moss was a follow up inspection
with a focus on conditions in which prisoners live and on
the way prisoners are treated.
www.scotland.gov.uk/hmip