New visitor centre at Glenochil Prison unveiled

A new visitor centre for the families of prisoners at Glenochil Prison has been officially opened by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

The centre provides the families of those in custody with a space outside prison security where they can access support and information before or after their visit.

Mr Matheson said: “We want to ensure those affected by the wider impact of prison - the families and children of those in custody - have access to the advice, information and support they need to deal with what is often a very challenging situation.

“We know the children of prisoners face a number of additional challenges from a young age, with parental imprisonment having a negative impact on their long-term life chances and health. Prison visitor centres are vital to helping us break this cycle and are an example of the work the Scottish government is doing to help give every child in Scotland the best possible start in life.”

Chair of the National Prison Visitors Centre Steering Group Andrew McLellan said: “We are delighted to see such great progress towards achieving our ambition of a establishing a Prison Visitors Centre at every prison in Scotland.

“We know that supporting prisoners to maintain positive family ties reduces reoffending and makes Scotland safer. Yet prisoners’ families and prisoners’ children in particular often pay a very high price for their family member’s imprisonment.

“Too often financial difficulties, emotional trauma and a lack of support are all part and parcel of having someone in prison. The warm welcome and practical support these services offer make a huge difference to family members during what can be a very difficult time.”