Cash for new Inverness prison is vital, says MSP Edward Mountain

THERE is still “no specific funding provision” for a new prison in Inverness, according to a government report.

In the latest Infrastructure Progress Update, the Scottish Government also confirmed that there is “no change to cost or timing since the last report”.

As it stands the new prison is still expected to cost £80.5 million and to be operational by March 2023.

Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain, cast doubts on the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a new prison in Inverness.

The Conservative MSP said: “We know HMP Inverness is no longer fit for purpose.

“It suffers from long-term overcrowding and key areas of the prison are without CCTV, endangering prison staff.

“I will be pressing the Scottish Government to fund the new prison as part of its next Scottish budget.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.