Prison Numbers Hit Record

SCOTLAND’S prison population hit an all-time record last year.

The average daily prison population increased by 2-per cent on the previous year’s level of 6621 to 6779. The current prison population is about 100 below that, said prison chiefs.

The Executive’s figures also show the average daily number of female prisoners was the highest ever at 332, a rise of 6-per cent.

The details came as United Kingdom Detention Services was awarded preferred bidder status for a new private facility at Addiewell, West Lothian.