Prison comes under spotlight

A previous report recommended the prison population be halved

A team of inspectors has moved into Scotland's only all-woman prison to assess the institution that came under the spotlight after eight inmates committed suicide in their cells between 1995 and 1998.

Scotland's chief inspector of prisons Clive Fairweather will head the team making a week-long investigation into all aspects of Cornton Vale prison near Stirling.

In his last report, Mr Fairweather recommended the number of prisoners be reduced by half, but it is understood that the population is still running at a high.

At that time there were 202 inmates plus a baby, but recent statistics put the prison population at nearly 240.

Standard procedure

During the visit the team will look at areas such as education and rehabilitation programmes, exercise facilities and catering.

They will also interview prisoners and members of staff during the visit.

A review of Scotland's 16 prisons is carried out every three years and a report on the findings is published and presented to both the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

The report is intended as guidance and the recommendations do not have to be implemented.

A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said: "This is standard procedure but Cornton Vale has been more high profile than other prisons in recent times.

"Ministers are keen to see what the HMI team will recommend."