Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Inspector raises ‘serious concerns’ on Scotland's prison overcrowding
HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow

PRISON inspectors have expressed “serious concerns” on Scotland’s prison overcrowding.

The Scottish inspectorate found that despite measures such as emergency early release of prisoners, the prison population remains “stubbornly high,” with implications for workers and prisoners alike.

In his report, interim Chief Inspector Stephen Sandlam said: “Overcrowding caused more prisoners to have to share a cell, some of which are not suitable for sharing.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump during a press conference at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, on day two of the president's second state visit to the UK, September 18, 2025
Scotland / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
Members of Scotland's tenants' union Living Rent organised a protest outside the Edinburgh City Council Chamber to highlight concerns about the scarcity of housing, January 2018
Scotland / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow
Scotland / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
A general view of the University of Edinburgh Old College, Edinburgh
Scotland / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
Similar stories
HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow, October 16, 2013
Britain / 8 April 2025
8 April 2025
A general view of a prison
Britain / 7 February 2025
7 February 2025
A general view of HMP Pentonville, north London
Britain / 21 January 2025
21 January 2025
A person leaving HM Prison Liverpool, September 10, 2024
Features / 5 October 2024
5 October 2024
The government’s quick-fix solution to prison overcrowding is backfiring spectacularly, writes LUKE FLETCHER MS