Overcrowding at prison "startling"
Inspector's report gives bleak picture of overcrowding at Aberdeen Prison
HM Chief Inspector of Prison has issued a shocking report on cramped conditions at Aberdeen Prison.
Andrew McLellan said overcrowding was at "startling" level, with 224 people on average being housed in a prison designed for just 154.
And he said that it is damaging the lives of inmates, particularly the vulnerable and those on remand, who spent most of their days locked up.
Mr McLellan said: “How can a prison designed for 154 prisoners be expected to make a significant contribution to helping prisoners stay away from crime on release when its facilities, its accommodation and the time of its staff are under such strain?
“Even if the prison were not overcrowded some of its facilities would be inadequate. With prison numbers at these very high levels the facilities are totally inadequate.”
Drug taking was also an issue in the prison with only 75% of inmates testing negative for drugs.
However it was not all bad news. Food and some facilities have been improved, and Mr McLellan said "real progress" has been made with figures for violence falling and no deaths in custody in 2003-2004.
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