New images released by the Scottish Prison Service have revealed the extent of destruction caused during last month’s riot at HMP & YOI Polmont, which the prison service has described as the worst disorder in a Scottish jail in a decade. The release coincides with Scottish Government projections that the prison population could reach 9,450 by June 2027, 1,650 above the estate’s design capacity.
The September 26 riot at the young offenders institution involved around 30 inmates, with prison officers from four other jails called to restore order. Officers faced inmates armed with homemade weapons, and several suffered minor injuries. The images show broken furniture, smashed windows, and panelling torn from walls and ceilings.
A series of early release measures has not brought numbers below capacity. About 8,500 inmates are currently held in a system designed for 7,805.
Linda Pollock, SPS chief executive, said the riot was an example of "bubbling tension" caused by overcrowding. "We did have disorder in Polmont, there was destruction there and we had to take control of the situation," she said. "People in custody are becoming frustrated by the overcrowding conditions, the impact that has for them and restricting the opportunities they have for rehabilitation." Pollock added: "We are seeing bubbling tension across the estate. We pushed our prisons to the brink and now we are at the brink and action needs to be taken."
She also warned that Scottish prisons were at serious risk of a return to levels of disorder “last seen in the 1980s” if conditions did not improve. Justice Secretary Neil Gray said the government is considering reforms to “achieve a sustainable prison population” and is building two new prisons, HMP Highland and HMP Glasgow. Phil Fairlie of the Prison Officers’ Association described the projected increase as “shocking and depressing”, saying the POA had said the early release scheme would only provide temporary relief.
Scottish Labour's justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill called the situation "completely unsustainable", while Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr said the SNP had failed to build the prisons Scotland needs. Police Scotland is investigating the riot.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Scotland's prisons are operating far above design capacity, with the population projected to grow further, putting inmate and staff safety at risk.
- The warning of a return to 1980s-level violence underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for action.
- The political debate over sentencing reforms and prison investment will shape public safety and justice policy for years.
Background
The SPS has been under strain from rising inmate numbers, driven by longer sentences for serious and historic crimes. Emergency early releases began in June 2024, but the prison population remained above capacity. The September riot at Polmont was the worst disorder in a decade. New prisons are under construction but have faced delays and cost overruns.
Key Perspectives
Scottish Prison Service: says the system is at breaking point and overcrowding is causing tension that has led to violence.
Prison Officers' Association: says early release provided only temporary relief and calls for urgent action on accommodation and staffing.
Scottish Government: says it is maximising capacity and building two new prisons, and is consulting on sentencing reforms to achieve a sustainable prison population.
Scottish Labour: says the situation is unsustainable and demands a comprehensive long-term plan including alternatives to custody.
Scottish Conservatives: blame the SNP for failing to build prisons and say its proposals water down consequences for criminals.
What to Watch
- HMP Highland is due for completion later this year, adding 200 places.
- HMP Glasgow, a replacement for Barlinnie, is expected to open in 2028 at a cost of almost £1bn, originally scheduled for 2025.
- The Scottish Government's consultation on permanent sentencing reforms, including changes to automatic release points, requires MSP approval to become law.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 2 sources: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedNew SPS images show the extent of the destruction at Polmont after last month’s riot.STV News: “Now, images released by SPS has revealed the extent of the destruction within YOI Polmont, including broken furniture, glass strewn across the floor, and panelling torn from the walls and ceilings.”
- SupportedThe prison population could reach 9,450 by June 2027.STV News: “Scottish Government projections released on Thursday suggest the prison population could reach a high of 9,450 by June 2027.”
- SupportedThat projection is 1,650 above the estate’s design capacity.BBC Scotland: “the prison population could rise to 9,450 next year – 1,650 over the current design capacity.”
- SupportedThe chief executive warned that the system was close to breaking point.BBC Scotland: “Pollock said the current system was "close to breaking point" and that action was needed to ensure it "does not break".”
- SupportedOpposition parties called for action over the prison situation.BBC Scotland: “Scottish Labour's justice spokesperson, Pauline McNeill, said the situation was "completely unsustainable". She added: "The justice secretary must come forward with a comprehensive, long-term plan for tackling these issues”
- SupportedThe prison service described the Polmont riot as the worst disorder in one of Scotland’s jails in a decade.BBC Scotland: “A riot at a young offenders institution last month was the worst disorder in one of Scotland's jails in a decade, the prison service has said.”
- SupportedPollock said the riot was an example of “bubbling tension” caused by overcrowding.STV News: “Linda Pollock, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), told BBC News it was an example of “bubbling tension” caused by overcrowding at the facility.”
- SupportedPollock said: “We did have disorder in Polmont, there was destruction there and we had to take control of the situation.”BBC Scotland: “"We did have disorder in Polmont, there was destruction there and we had to take control of the situation," she said.”
- SupportedPollock said: “People in custody are becoming frustrated by the overcrowding conditions, the impact that has for them and restricting the opportunities they have for rehabilitation.”BBC Scotland: “"People in custody are becoming frustrated by the overcrowding conditions, the impact that has for them and restricting the opportunities they have for rehabilitation."”
- SupportedPollock said: “We are seeing bubbling tension across the estate. We pushed our prisons to the brink and now we are at the brink and action needs to be taken.”BBC Scotland: “Pollock added: "We are seeing bubbling tension across the estate. We pushed our prisons to the brink and now we are at the brink and action needs to be taken."”
- SupportedThe riot took place on September 26.BBC Scotland: “Several prison officers suffered minor injuries in the riot at Polmont on 26 September.”
- SupportedPollock warned Scottish prisons were at serious risk of a return to levels of disorder “last seen in the 1980s” if conditions did not improve.BBC Scotland: “She also warned that Scottish prisons were at serious risk of a return to levels of disorder "last seen in the 1980s" if conditions did not improve.”