SCOTLAND needs a “bold and brave transformational justice agenda” to cut the prison overcrowding that is stymieing the rehabilitation of inmates, according to a report published today.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland Wendy Sinclair-Giebenmade made the remarks in her sixth and final annual report, saying that changing criminal behaviours “cannot happen” with the present levels of overcrowding and underfunding in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

“The rise in remand, overcrowding, social isolation, an ageing estate, very limited access to purposeful and rehabilitative activity, the backlog in offending behaviour work, alcohol and substance issues, prisoner transport failures and inequitable access to good healthcare remain highly problematic across the estate,” she said.