A new publicly run “super-prison” is due to be built to replace ageing Victorian jails in Aberdeen and Peterhead.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill confirmed the news during a visit to Peterhead prison and also announced funding of £120 million annually which would allow for the construction of the new unit, as well as further investment in the existing prisons.

Mr MacAskill said the package of investment and reform in prisons should mean “fewer members of the public imprisoned in their homes through fear of crime” in the future.

He continued: “Our commitment is to a publicly owned and run prison service, more investment in replacement prisons that are fit for purpose, and a fundamental review of the role of prison in a modern Scotland.

-- Advertisement --

“After years of indecision we are today announcing positive steps to replace Victorian facilities at Aberdeen and Peterhead with a brand new state of the art prison in the area. This, like the replacement prison at Bishopbriggs, will be a prison run in the public sector, for the public good, and not for private profit.”

The new 700-capacity prison, expected to cost between £50-£60m, will be the only facility outside the central belt to house young offenders, women, mainstream inmates and sex offenders.

There are a number of things that need done prior to building the new jail, including the identification of a site, the need to develop a specification and the launch of a design and build procurement exercise.

Ministers have looked very closely at the current contracts of private sector providers of prisons in Scotland. The contracts have arisen as a result of previous procurement policies.

The current procurement process for the replacement prison at Bishopbriggs has been suspended and bids have been invited from the private sector to design and build a new prison that will be operated by the public sector.

(JM)