Anti-torture group calls for ‘coherent strategy’ to address overcrowding in Scottish prisons

A human rights organisation has published a report calling for a “coherent strategy” to address overcrowding in Scottish prisons.

It comes after the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), part of the Council of Europe, visited Barlinnie, Low Moss and Perth in June 2025.

It reported that, despite the Early Release Scheme enacted by the Scottish Government, overcrowding and understaffing are having an adverse impact on male prisoners, causing them to be locked in their cells for extended periods, with some prisoners in separation units locked up for up to 23 hours a day.  

It has also raised concerns about prison violence, staff training and an inconsistent approach to dealing with women offenders.

However, it noted the vast majority of prisoners were treated in the correct manner by prison officers, and the delegation did not receive any credible allegations of deliberate ill-treatment of prisoners by staff, and that progress had been made in dealing with child offenders.  

The report states: “The committee notes the steady growth of the prison population in Scotland, despite various measures pursued by the Scottish Government to address this phenomenon.  

“At the time of the 2025 visit, overcrowding remained a worrying feature of the prison system. The committee urges the authorities to address its root causes, stressing that a coherent strategy is required, covering both admission to and release from prison.”

In March, the prison population reached a record high, despite the early release of more than 500 criminals.

Commenting on the report, John Cairney, the chair of the Prison Officers’ Association Scotland, said: “This report from The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture reinforces what the Prison Officers’ Association has been telling the Scottish Government for years. We need urgent action and investment to increase staffing levels, reduce overcrowding and provide a prison regime that rehabilitates prisoners and helps end reoffending. I hope we will now see concerted action to address these very important issues.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome this report and the importance of independent scrutiny in upholding human rights.

“While the Committee acknowledged progress since previous visits, Scotland’s prison estate continues to face significant population pressures. We are taking action through investment in community justice, prison infrastructure and measures to safely reduce the prison population. This includes the development of new prison facilities, with HMP Highland now expected to be completed in spring 2027 and HMP Glasgow due for completion in 2028. We have also launched a public consultation on reforms to address these pressures, support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and improve public safety.

“We accept that further improvement is needed in some areas and work is already progressing on healthcare, mental health support and segregation practices. As our full response sets out, we remain committed to transparency, accountability and learning from international good practice to ensure everyone in our care is treated with dignity and respect.”