Female prisoners at Glasgow Sheriff Court held in ‘degrading and inhumane’ conditions

David Strang, HM chief inspector of prisons, said holding cells in Glasgow Sheriff Court failed to “reflect positively on a 21st-century criminal justice system”.

In his report, he identified major concerns with the court including a lack of privacy for female inmates who have to walk past male toilets described as “odorous and clearly visible from the hallway”.

And some are held in cells where the only available toilet is a male urinal.

Nor were there any emergency “call buttons” for prisoners with mental health problems.

Mr Strang told The Herald: “I have highlighted my findings to the court service and would expect them to take action.”

A Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service spokesman said it regularly ordered emergency cleaning of the cells.