Dumfries prison receives glowing report following a recent inspection
HMIPS says HMP Dumfries was "a credit to management and staff".
HMP Dumfries has recently received a report from an inspector review and has been praised for its “relaxing, therapeutic” environment, particularly in the facility’s gardens.
The indoor gardens were classed as “exceptional quality” providing many benefits to the inmates with a multitude of recovery and wellbeing activities.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) said it was “well beyond anything inspectors have seen” in any other closed prison.
It was observed during the visit that compared to other prisons, the prisoners in Dumfries spend less time in their cells and are able to access well-equipped fitness and sporting facilities, including outdoor sports.
The overall state of the grounds was noted as “spotlessly clean” but found “some elements to be showing their age” due to the building dating back to Victorian times.
Staff are being encouraged to consider bringing back evening visits.
One of the downsides of the report was a lack of rehabilitative programmes.
Inspectors described that as “disappointing” considering the “offence-related status” most of the prisoners are serving time for.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: "We welcome the chief inspector's report, which found HMP Dumfries to be a well-run, safe and supportive establishment, with many areas of good practice including the impressive well-being gardens, which staff and people in our care take such pride in.
"It is particularly pleasing that the inspectors have recognised the care, compassion and support of staff in managing the most vulnerable individuals, including those whose behaviours had been challenging in other prisons.
"It is through their hard work and dedication that the establishment is able to recognise the needs of individuals and support them through their time in custody to release, ensuring a better outcome for them, their families and our communities."