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2. PREAMBLE
2.1 Since there are so many prisoners in Scottish prisons, prisoners have to be moved around wherever the places are to be found: more and more prisoners have to be kept far from home and family. The large SPS rebuilding programme which is being undertaken also involves complicated movements of prisoners while one hall is knocked down and another built. Perth prison is in the middle of this constant movement: it is overcrowded and one hall has been knocked down while the new hall taking its place is not yet open. A splendid new activities area has been opened and provides a very good environment for prisoners' work and training; as well as an excellent laundry and a new kitchen
2.2 This sense of change and movement is reinforced by the changing nature of the prisoner population. Four years ago there was a mixture of long-term prisoners, short-term prisoners and prisoners on remand in Perth. Now the short-term prisoners are few in number: most short-term prisoners from Tayside are transferred to Low Moss, with consequent travelling difficulties for their families. Meanwhile the remand population continues to increase. The report of 2005 drew attention to the absence of useful activity for prisoners on remand. In every prison this is limited, because of the policy of giving priority to convicted prisoners; but it is good to report that some modest provision is being made in Perth for prisoners on remand who want to work.
2.3 Most prisoners in Perth share cells. Cell-sharing is one of the worst consequences of overcrowding. However, overcrowding can be so bad in Perth that three prisoners often have to share a cell. This is a threat to privacy, decency and safety. So is the dormitory for six people, although it is only used in emergencies. There has been some redecoration and refurbishment since the last inspection. One hall, 'E' Hall, however, is very bleak. The cell furniture there is either damaged or missing, and the paintwork in the cells is shabby. It is expected that this hall will soon be demolished as part of the rebuilding programme; but it offers grim living conditions at the moment.
2.4 The prison continues to be safe in the midst of all this upheaval. The evidence of all prisoners met confirms the statistical evidence that the level of violence is decreasing.
2.5 Within the last year Friarton Hall has become a Young Offenders' Institution, providing 89 top-end places for Young Offenders arriving from Polmont. The report shows that the transition in the use of Friarton Hall has been a real success. Another success has been the improvement in food. At the time of the inspection in 2005 a change was taking place in the way food was being served. The early hopes of improvement then have been fulfilled. All sources of evidence demonstrates that the meals are much better than they were.
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