Scottish Prison Service
@scottishprisons
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The official channel of the Scottish Prison Service, posting news and latest updates.
Joined November 2012
Best-selling author Sir Ian Rankin @Beathhigh has visited HMP Edinburgh; the setting of his new novel 'Midnight and Blue'. He gave some fascinating insights to his writing career and participated in a brilliant Q&A session with those in our care.
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Mobile Phones Update: Women in HMP & YOI Cornton Vale received the first mobile phones to be issued in Scotland’s prisons yesterday.
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We are delighted to announce the completion of our first women's Community Custody Unit: 'The Bella Centre' in Dundee. The facility is the first of its kind in the UK, and marks a step change in the way Scotland supports women in custody. Read more:
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Last week we bid farewell to two highly respected Governors in Charge. David Abernethy of HMP Edinburgh, and Mike Hebden of HMP & YOI Grampian, retire after a combined 71 years of service. We wish them both a long and happy retirement. Read more:
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Virtual Visits will be available in 3 of our prisons from next week(HMP & YOI Polmont, HMP & YOI Cornton Vale and HMP Shotts). Roll-out to the remaining prisons is ongoing and we anticipate that Virtual Visits will be available in all prisons by the end of the month.
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'Inside Barlinnie' is a 3-part series that explores the experiences of current and former staff & prisoners, as well as delving into a dark history of hangings, riots and escapes that have shaped the prison for over a century. A must see!.Catch it on iplayer from tomorrow!
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Pleased to announce that visits to all Scottish Prisons will recommence on Monday 28 September details on SPS website
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SPS invites anyone with an understanding of the management of transgender people in custody to input to the review of our Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment Policy. More information available here:
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We’re delighted to share that HMP & YOI Stirling, Scotland’s new national facility for women in custody, was today unveiled to the public, prior to opening next month. Read more:
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We were delighted to welcome @FritziHorstman and @PrisonKind to HMPs Barlinnie, Edinburgh and Addiewell over the past few weeks - with great feedback from those involved. @siscorecovery @natalieloganmac.
'I can be the spark that turns prisoners' lives around'. Pilot scheme underway in three Scottish prisons focuses on childhood trauma:
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Mobile Phones Update: Mobile phones now in use at HMP & YOI Polmont.
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We are supporting the national Naloxone awareness campaign featuring the voice of @Martin_Compston by playing radio and TV adverts in Scotland's prisons. Those leaving custody are eligible to receive Naloxone, as this can be a time of elevated risk of overdose #StopTheDeaths
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At HMP Inverness, staff have set up a Naloxone information stand in the visits waiting area. This aims to inform and reach out to families and friends of those in our care, to offer information about Naloxone and to break down barriers associated with its use.
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We're delighted to welcome HMP Kilmarnock into the Scottish Prison Service, as its operation officially transferred to us from Serco on 17 March. This is a momentous occasion, as it is the first time a privately operated Scottish prison has transferred to the public sector.
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We said a sad goodbye to a dear friend and colleague this week. Tom Fox's contribution to the Scottish Prison Service, and public life in Scotland more widely, was immense, and his kindness, wisdom and humour will be sorely missed.
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SPS is pleased to confirm that in person visits will be available in all establishments from Monday 26 April 2021. More information available at
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Women in our care at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale have been knitting poppies in the lead up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this week.
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Visits to Scottish Prisons to resume by 3 August for further details please go to
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We welcomed Channel 4 into the Bella Centre, one of two Community Custody Units for women in Scotland. Based on best practice gathered from around the world, it has pioneered a new model of imprisonment,with facilities unlike anywhere else in the UK.
'We're not in prison to be punished.'. Channel 4 News has been given exclusive access inside a pioneering Scottish prison where women budget, cook and clean for themselves. @KathrynSamsonC4 reports.
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Four individuals in our care have been given a life-changing offer of employment after graduating from Scotland’s first prison-based ‘Greene King Training Academy’. Read more here: @greeneking @AberdeenCC @AbzWorks. Images courtesy of Jasperimage
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We were delighted to welcome David to HMP & YOI Polmont earlier this year to speak to those in our care about his experience of the justice system, and how he turned his life around. @LiviFCOfficial.
Livingston manager David Martindale previously spent time in prison and visits HMP Polmont in Brightons, Scotland to help try to inspire inmates to turn their lives around ⬇️
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Women in our care at HMP & YOI Grampian have been working hard to create poppy displays, as part of activities to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
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Prison Officers are highly skilled public servants who do difficult and demanding work. They wear many hats and demonstrate many skills, providing support to the most vulnerable, and inspiration to those without hope. Join us in celebrating them this #HiddenHeroes day
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Individuals in our care at HMP Dumfries have given back to the community by building a fantastic pirate ship for a local primary school. Built over several weeks in the joiners work-shed, it is now in place within the school's playground.
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Designed by staff, for staff, a new wellbeing area has opened in HMP Dumfries. 'The Kennedy Suite', named in memory of former Governor Phil Kennedy, provides a safe, calm space for staff to reset or decompress from the stressors of daily life or work.
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Gary McCafferty was the first person in our custody to carry out a work placement as a peer mentor. He has turned his life around and is committed to helping others do the same. As a drug addict, I nearly killed a man. Now I’m helping others to quit (
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The Scottish Prison Service is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty. The Queen showed tremendous devotion and service during her 70 years as Monarch. Our condolences to the King, Queen Consort, and all other members of the Royal Family, at this time.
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Virtual Visits Update: Booking now available for virtual visits in HMPs Low Moss, Kilmarnock, Grampian, Castle Huntly and Addiewell. More information available
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On Thursday 29th September, SPS joined other UK Prison, Probation and Youth Justice services to mark Hidden Heroes day. A range of gestures were extended to SPS staff on the day, including those pictured below from HMPYOI Polmont. Thank you to all of our Hidden Heroes.
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Today all 15 prisons in Scotland will take part in the annual recovery walk. Recovery matters because Life matters.
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Happy to announce the full resumption of visits at HMP Low Moss.
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In July we welcomed Lady Martha Bruce to the Bella Centre. Lady Martha was the first Governor in Charge of HMP & YOI Cornton Vale in 1975. She spoke of her pride at what the SPS has achieved, and we were delighted that she was able to join us to mark Bella's completion.
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Yesterday was International Recovery Day and to show their continued support for those in our care who are engaging in any stage of Recovery, HMP Perth’s Recovery Team lit up their Gate Lodge purple. @SRConsortium @RefocusPK @Recovery_2020
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HMP&YOI Polmont have been celebrating this year's #HiddenHeroes day with bacon rolls, pastries, and 'Heroes' chocolates. The front of house was decorated with Hidden Heroes bunting, posters, and flags. The atmosphere has been jovial, and staff were appreciative of the efforts.
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Thanks to @POAScotland for volunteering to return trade union reps to frontline prison officer duties. Trade union partnership working at its best in SPS.
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Young men at HMP&YOI Polmont recently took part in an Introduction to Hospitality course, and hosted an afternoon tea for representatives from Apex and Hilton hotels. Read more: @Springboard_UK @CashBackScot @Access2Industry
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Huge thanks to @jonathanbrown95 and @liam_buchanan9 from Bonnyrigg Rose FC who supported the 'Fathers & Football' event at HMP Edinburgh. Read more here: @Messica1 @HMP_edinburghVC
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As part of #mentalhealthweek, HMP Edinburgh hosted a 'Question of Sport' event, compered by radio and TV broadcaster @EwenDCameron ! .Our thanks to Ewen for his support, sharing his story and getting involved in the conversations about mental health.
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From tomorrow (26/03/20) families of those in our care can contact a new family helpline, set up to provide support and guidance. Call 0131 330 3888 Monday - Friday, 9am-3pm. Further info can be found at
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In December, women at our Bella and Lilias Centres took part in a festive cookery workshop with Scotland’s national chef and Masterchef winner, @Gmacchef. Gary kindly gave his time free of charge to help them gain confidence in buying, preparing and cooking their Christmas meals.
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We are proud to be taking part in the @poppyscotland ‘Light it red’ campaign. The Old Gate Lodge at HMP Perth is lit in remembrance #LightUpRed
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HMP Barlinnie Interventions and @siscorecovery held a Christmas event for those who attend the Recovery Café. Christmas without loved ones and dealing with addiction issues can be difficult. The event allowed people to celebrate the time of year together. Thanks to all involved.
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We are happy to announce that physical visits across the prison estate will be available by Monday 3rd August. Here’s a short video explaining the process.
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At the Bella Centre, Officer Blyth has been working with @BarnardosScot who kindly donated Christmas Eve boxes and gifts for the children of the women in our care. At this time of year, it is great to see initiatives helping to bring joy to those in our care and their families.
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Recovery walks have taken place across our prisons throughout September. The walks are an opportunity for prison communities to come together, to celebrate recovery journeys and remember those who have lost their lives to substance use. #RecoveryMonth
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From today, the SPS can now accept money for those in our care transferred via an online banking facility. Information and instructions on how to set this up can be found at
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SPS took part in National #recoverymonth2022. Events recognised the profound impacts of addiction and celebrated those on their own recovery journey. The Recovery Walk held at HMP Perth is pictured below. We'll be sharing more on our Recovery Month events during October.
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BESIDE ME was a six month drama project, delivered by @DundeeRep in HMP Perth. It aimed to strengthen family bonds that are challenged by a prison sentence and provide a space for dads and their children to create positive memories together. Read more:.
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Women at the Bella Centre have been learning about creative arts, writing, sewing and tapestry in a @spaceartscot project; aiming to create a visual image tapestry reflecting the lives of those in the CCU, and to counter the perception of Dundee as Scotland's 'drug capital'.
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We recently said goodbye to Officer Brian McLellan from HMP Low Moss, when he retired from SPS after 40 years' service. We would like to thank Brian for his long service and wish him all the best for his retirement.
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41 new Operations Officers have graduated from SPS College, beginning their careers with the Scottish Prison Service. We are delighted that we could live stream the event so families and friends of the graduates could join in celebrating their achievements. Congratulations OFP83!
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HMP Shotts have showcased their summer panto,Toy Story! Featuring the well-known characters from the film,the script was written entirely by an individual in our care. Families were invited to watch and it was very special to see the children spot ‘dad’ or ‘big brother’ on stage!
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HMP Perth's 'Community Payback' work-shed aims to deliver projects in the local area, by producing products and donating these to schools, voluntary groups and community spaces, enhancing the lives and opportunities of those who use them. First delivery went to Letham Primary!
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Our Chief Executive, Teresa Medhurst, is featured in today's @TheScotsman praising our #HiddenHeroes for the dedication and support they provide to those in our care.
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Official launch of the #YOYP2018 @ HMPYOI Polmont today, celebrating our nation's young people and giving young people in our care a platform to have their voices heard.
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HMP Edinburgh welcomed back former Governor David Abernethy to present the inaugural 'Artistic Innovation Award'. Following his retirement, he wanted to leave something positive behind for individuals to work towards every year. 'Kingfisher' was this years deserving winner!
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Today is National #HiddenHeroesDay - a day for us to recognise all of the #HiddenHeroes in UK prisons, IRCs, probation and youth justice for their exceptional contributions in delivering critical public services in environments that are often hidden from view.
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For their Christmas show, Polmont Youth Theatre (PYT) showcased ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to an audience of over 120 family, friends and invited guests last week. Sincere thanks to @GlassPerform and @BarnardosScot for giving the young people in our care this opportunity.
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Scotland's first record label for ex-offenders @ConvictionRecs in collaboration with.@Toidfish and @CreativeScots, have been delivering music workshops in HMP Barlinnie throughout 2023. The BBC were invited in to find out more -
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Over 600 entries have been submitted from Scottish prisons for this years @KoestlerArts Awards. The awards seek to help individuals learn skills and gain confidence to live creative, positive and productive lives.'Far Flung Places' from HMP Low Moss was a 2021 winner @fifecollege
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Following the Scottish Governments announcement yesterday (16/03) regarding route map out of lockdown and indicative dates, we are currently assessing what that means in terms of visits. More information will be available about this early next week.
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Animations made by dads currently in HMP Barlinnie and their children,have been screened @edintfest.The stories,characters & sound effects were created and recorded within the prison's visit room then brought to life by professional animators. An amazing project for all involved!
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Nine men in our care at HMP Inverness have completed an intensive 1-week Self-Coaching Recovery course facilitated by @Recovery_Scot. The course comprised of 10 sessions, covering topics from active listening to trauma-informed approaches to recovery.
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A rare look inside two of Scotland’s women's prisons is coming. ‘Jailed: Women in Prison’ hears from women in custody and staff at HMPs Grampian and Stirling, giving a first-hand view of the realities of prison life. Watch Tues. 18 March on BBC iPlayer or BBC Scotland (9pm)
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We are delighted to share that Shona Pate, manager of the @BarnardosScot Visitor Centre at HMP Edinburgh, has received a second @ButlerTrust Award for going above and beyond in supporting families of those in our care throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
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For the 38th year running, churches across Edinburgh and the Lothians have supported a Christmas gift collection for children with a loved one in HMP Edinburgh. Over 200 children have received gifts this year thanks to the wonderful generosity of others.
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Chris from HMP Perth was successful in getting two of his poems published in the annual @KoestlerArts anthology in 2021 - a tremendous feat as only 50 works are featured in total. He would like to direct any publishing fees to a women’s refuge charity while still in prison.
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We’re thrilled to share that Colin O’Flaherty, Regimes Officer at HMP Edinburgh, has won a prestigious @ButlerTrust Commendation for his work supporting the families of those in our care. You can read all about Colin's fantastic achievement here:
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Covid-19 may have forced a 'paws' to the UK's first Rescue Dog Training Programme for young people in custody, but we are thrilled that @PawsforProgress are back working alongside our young people in HMYOI Polmont.
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We are delighted to share that Shona Pate, Manager of HMP Edinburgh’s Visitor Centre has won a @ButlerTrust Award for 2021-22. These awards reflect outstanding examples of dedication, skill, and creativity found in the criminal justice system.
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SPS statement on temporary suspension of visits
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In HMP Barlinnie, 3 dads donned their elf costumes and shared an xmas story they wrote with all the visiting children. Santa stopped by with presents, huge thanks to all who donated & 10 refurbished bikes were delivered to children of men in our care thanks to Ebike Freedom CIC
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Individuals in our care have created some magnificent displays for #ArmisticeDay with special Remembrance services are taking place across our prisons this weekend. Thank you as always to our partners @prisonlearning for their support.
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Christmas can be a difficult time for those separated from their loved ones. Staff at HMPYOI Polmont’s Visitor Centre have been working hard to support the families of those in our care, going over and above to spread some festive cheer @HMPJustVisiting @SashaGroves9 @CrossReach
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All SPS Establishments will be flying the rainbow flag today to mark the start of LGBT history month. Where LGBT staff, those in our care and visitors can expect to be treated with dignity and respect by the SPS.
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Women at HMP Grampian took part in a variety of activities during Recovery Month, including a Recovery Walk and visits from @SRConsortium, Narcotics Anonymous and a beautician with lived experience. Staff aimed to empower and encourage in different ways to support their recovery.
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At the end of March we welcomed David Martindale of @LiviFCOfficial to HMP & YOI Polmont, where he spoke openly about his experience of the justice system and held an insightful Q&A session with those in our care. Read more about his visit here:
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Virtual Visits Update: Booking now available for Virtual Visits in HMPs Edinburgh, Perth, Barlinnie, Glenochil and Greenock. Further information available at
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Today's feature from @TheScotsman highlights the work of @freedom_bakery in supporting individuals before and after their release.
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'The Hive' is a new community and wellbeing space within HMP Edinburgh, for activities, events and classes! The former industrial work shed has been transformed with all paintwork completed by those in our care.
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Prison Voicemail now available in all establishments. Further information can be found by clicking on link below.
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Residents in two Fife care homes are enjoying new garden furniture made by individuals in custody at HMP Perth. Using materials donated by MGM Timber, the prisons' 'Good Neighbour’ initiative made the deliveries to Ostlers House in Kirkcaldy and Napier House in Glenrothes.
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Today 40 new Operations Officers graduated from SPS College and begin their careers with the Scottish Prison Service. We are delighted that we could live stream the event so families and friends of the graduates could join in celebrating their achievements. Congratulations OFP82!
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On #ScottishBreastfeedingWeek22, we are delighted to share that HMP & YOI Polmont’s Visitors Centre has become the first Prison Visitor Centre in Scotland to achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Award! #SBW2022 #BreastfeedingFriendlyScotland
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Officers at HMP Dumfries have been given Chief Executive's Certificates of Meritorious Conduct for "heroic" acts which saved others from harm. Read more:
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Staff from 11 Scottish prisons took part in @RecWalkScot last weekend. We were delighted to stand alongside many of our partners who provide invaluable support to people in our care. Together we walked to raise awareness, reduce stigma & celebrate recovery journeys.
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A resident at HMP & YOI Polmont has utilised their in-cell hobby in a fundraiser for Strathcarron hospice. "The Knitter" donated a large knitted rabbit to the hospice, which was raffled off to raise much needed funds. @strathcarron1
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Huge congratulations to Shona Crawford on winning the BBC Scotland Get Inspired Unsung Hero award for 2019 @BBCSportScot
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A regular public passenger bus has been transformed into a multi-purpose community & inclusion space, by individuals in custody at HMP Edinburgh. It will allow non profit org Heavy Sound, to engage with disconnected young people through music, sports & other creative activities!
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Happy International Women's Day from some of our fantastic staff at HMP Dumfries!.#IWD2022 #BreakTheBias #WomensDay2022
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Following the announcement that all but key workers should refrain from travel, can we remind colleagues travelling to and from work to have their official ID cards available for inspection by Police if required.
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As part of @poppyscotland's 'Light Up Red' Campaign, HMP Perth's historic Gate House has been lit in remembrance of all who have lost their lives through conflict. The campaign raises awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal across the country #LightUpRed2022 #ScottishPoppyAppeal
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Congratulations to the individuals who have successfully passed their qualification in Construction Skills, Certification Scheme (CSCS) at HMP Edinburgh.
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Multi-award winning STIR magazine, the only art magazine made for prisoners by prisoners in Scotland, has been celebrated in a new installation within HMP Shotts. The front covers of every issue produced so far are now framed and displayed outside the @prisonlearning centre.
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Bob, a Residential FLM at HMP Castle Huntly, has set up a music workshop for those in our care after seeing the positive impact of music therapy at HMP Perth. ‘Vox Liminis’ participants are taught songwriting, how to play instruments and the intricacies of music production.
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Today a cohort of new Operations Officers graduated from SPS College, and now begin their careers with us. We're delighted that we were able to live stream the event so that families and friends of those graduating could join in celebrating their achievements. Congrats OFP 85!
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In October, individuals at HMP Castle Huntly showcased their artwork in a charity fundraiser. One of the artists, Jamie, spoke about his hopes to hold his own event on release. We're delighted that his first exhibition opened in East Kilbride on the 5th of April! @prisonlearning
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Staff at HMP Barlinnie delivered a fortnight of activities and events promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Read more here: Huge thanks to @andymclaren7 and @imried7 for your support!
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On September 24th, Deputy Governor Mark Holloway and Programmes Officer Sheena represented HMP Inverness at the National Recovery Walk in Paisley. They were delighted to meet two brothers formerly in custody who were proudly carrying the banner to promote the message of Recovery.
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