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2. PREAMBLE
2.1 The full inspection of 2005 produced a report which identified many positive characteristics of Edinburgh prison. This follow-up report shows that the positive elements identified then have remained good. The prison is safe, decent and clean. Moreover, this report also shows that the prison has addressed most of the points of note and recommendations in the report of last year.
2.2 Significant among these is the refurbishment of Glenesk Hall. This is where prisoners on remand live. These prisoners are often in prison for very short periods of time; and usually show much less care for their cells and surroundings: their cells need constant refurbishment. The conditions for remand prisoners are now better than they were last year. It is still the case, however, that there is very little for them to do and as a result they spend very long hours locked in their cells, especially at weekends.
2.3 There is also much better use of the good facilities in 'the Hub' than there was last year.
2.4 It emerged during this follow-up inspection that there appears to be an increasing number of people with serious mental illness being detained in HMP Edinburgh. At the time of inspection the appointment of a second mental health nurse was anticipated. But the demands put upon such people, and the great demands put upon prison staff, by people with severe mental health problems, are great. This theme is emerging in several prisons.
2.5 Some long-term prisoners (in addition to those in the national top end) have now been in Edinburgh for more than one year. It is not always easy to house these prisoners beside short term prisoners; and this causes some frustration. Even more frustration, however is caused by the regular sharing of cells by long-term prisoners. The new house-block has 66 cells designed for two people and most are holding two people. The amount of anger which arises from this arrangement among long-term prisoners is noticeable.
2.6 Progress has been made in the development of this prison as a "community prison". There is evidence of better partnerships with community agencies and organisations (building on an already strong base); and of better cross-functional working within the prison.
2.7 During the inspection there was an obvious sense of anticipation among staff at all levels about the new opportunities which the new activities building should provide.
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