WORKERS have welcomed Kilmarnock prison finally coming under state ownership for the first time in its 25-year history.

The 500-cell facility was Scotland’s first private prison when it was opened by the then Labour-Liberal Scottish Executive in 1999, and run by outsourcing giant Serco ever since, despite the protestations of the Prison Officers Association (POA).

POA assistant secretary Phil Fairlie welcomed that the Ayrshire prison would finally be out of profiteering hands and brought under public ownership.

He said: “Today is the culmination of years of campaigning by our members.

“Prisons are a vital component of the justice system of any civilised society, they should never be seen as a commodity to generate profits for shareholders.

“This move can only enhance Scotland’s justice system by prioritising the welfare of prison staff and inmates.

“As the POA extends a warm welcome to the staff of Kilmarnock into our union, we will continue to campaign for the eventual inclusion of staff from Addiewell, Scotland’s sole remaining private prison which we hope to see in public ownership too.” 

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.