HMIP Report on HM Unit

Shotts 1998

3. POPULATION AND ACCOMMODATION

Population

3.1 At the time of our inspection, there were 10 Category ‘B’ prisoners in the Unit, whose sentence details are given below:

Accommodation

3.2 Accommodation within the Unit was on the one level and comprised 12 single cells, 10 of which were being used as prisoner accommodation. Each of the cells had a small integral sanitation unit and electrical power enabling television sets and other small electrical items to be used. On admission, prisoners were allocated a sum of money to spend on furnishings as an alternative to standard prison furniture; in general, prisoners were allowed to personalise their own cells. As part of our inspection we visited every cell and noted that although many were cluttered - mainly due to lack of space - they were all reasonably well maintained.

3.3 The remainder of the accommodation comprised a large recreation/dining area, a quiet room, toilet and showers, activity/hobby rooms, a weights/fitness room, other meeting and quiet areas, a kitchen, a laundry area, a visits area and staff offices and toilets. Outside the Unit but within its perimeter wall, were exercise areas, including a path and an all weather games field.

3.4 In our 1996 report we had described the internal and external appearance as being unkempt and shabby, with the condition of some of the cells being well below an acceptable standard in terms of hygiene. We were, therefore, encouraged to note a marked improvement in overall standards; nevertheless, we suggest that more effort should be made to keep the communal areas clean, an issue which was also highlighted previously.