LISTEN: Scots Gov Slammed Over Inverness Prison Delay

The Scottish Government is being criticised for not moving forward the new Inverness Prison. There's still NOT a preferred site for the project, which has jumped in costs from £40 to £63 million. The completion date for the development is now 2018. The current facility has been marred by overcrowding issues in the past, and has been described as the most consistently crowded prison in Scotland. Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Depute Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit committee, has commented after the Audit committee received an update on the proposals for a new Inverness Prison from Alyson Stafford, Director-General of Finance in the Scottish Government. Mary said: “The Public Audit committee were looking for clarification from the Scottish Government on the progress made with the new prison for the Highlands, and in particular an explanation of the time taken to prepare the project and the increase in costs since its announcement in 2009. “It has been clear for many years that the current prison, which opened in 1902, is struggling to meet the needs of a modern prison service and has been subject to several critical reports. "There was widespread support for a new prison when the SNP Government announced their plans back in 2009 but five years later it seems we are no further on. “As well as addressing the critical inspection reports and issues with overcrowding the construction of a new prison would be a great boost to the local economy, both in the building sector and with the creation of new jobs. “It is disappointing that there is still no site for the prison which is now scheduled for 2018. “The original cost in 2009 of HMP Highland was £40m and is now estimated at almost £63m yet the Scottish Prison Service state there has been no reported increase in the cost of the project since it was announced in 2009. “The Scottish Government really need to get a grip on this project so that both prisoners and staff can have the facilities and rehabilitation opportunities fit for this century.”

MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with Highland MSP Mary Scanlon...