Prison officers hold protest march

Peterhead Prison will close its doors within three years

More than 400 prison officers and their wives have marched through Peterhead in protest at plans to close the town's jail.

They were joined by local politicians and business leaders, who claim the decision could devastate area's economy.

The Scottish Executive intends to shut the jail in three years time and move inmates nearer to the central belt.

Angela Lamb, the chairwoman of the Wives Committee, said the prison was vital to the local community.

Alex Salmond: Campaigner

The demonstration was also attended by Scottish National Party MP Alex Salmond, who has been campaigning to keep the jail open.

Officers themselves say they have been prevented from speaking out over the closure plans.

The executive's review of the prison capacity recommended the closure of the Aberdeenshire jail, renowned for its treatment of sex offenders.

It also recommended the building of up to three new private prisons.

Justice Minister Jim Wallace announced the results of the long-awaited prison estates review at the end of March.

He said the prison population at Peterhead was rising, existing accommodation was unacceptable and refurbishing the jail would not give value for money.

He praised the rehabilitation work at Peterhead, which houses half of about 600 sex offenders in Scotland.

But he argued that accommodation was poor and its location made it difficult for many relatives to visit inmates.

Independent survey

The Victorian-period prison is scheduled to shut within three years, with the sex offenders' programme continued at jails in the central belt.

Scotland's chief inspector of prisons Clive Fairweather questioned claims by Mr Wallace that Peterhead Prison is "reaching the end of its useful life".

He called for an independent survey to be carried out into the condition of the jail.

Mr Fairweather said it would take between three and five years to recreate the special sex offenders programme at another jail.