Inverclyde politicians speak out after HMP Greenock inspection

The minister's SNP colleague - Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan - has written to her with a request to visit the jail after telling the Telegraph that it is now 'common knowledge' that a new prison is needed.

Mr McMillan's move comes after Scotland's chief inspector of prisons, Wendy Sinclair-Gieben, described the condition of the current Edwardian era jail as 'truly appalling' - whilst describing its staff as 'excellent'.

READ MORE: 'Appalling' condition of HMP Greenock highlighted by top inspector

Ms Sinclair-Gieben’s assessment of the state of the prison has sparked renewed calls for the Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Service to reconsider timescales for replacing the jail.

The SPS spent £8m in 2011 in acquiring the site of the former Greenock High School off Inverkip Road for a proposed new prison - but nothing has happened since.

MSP Mr McMillan said: “The findings within this [inspection] report are not surprising, as it’s common knowledge that we need a replacement for HMP Greenock.

“Clearly investments have been made that have addressed concerns raised during previous inspections, but the reality is that the prison is not fit for purpose.

"I have raised the issue regularly with the Scottish Government over many years and will be doing so again today.

“I will write to the Justice Secretary to ask for her reaction to this report and will once again invite her to visit the prison to see these challenges for herself.

“I would hope that such frankness from HMIPS would prompt the Scottish Government to reconsider the timescales for building a new prison locally."

But Mr McMillan added: "The added challenge is the fact the Scottish Government capital budget has been consistently cut by the UK Government which has pushed the plans for a rebuild back. 

“It’s important to note, however, that this report gives a glowing account of the compassionate and caring nature of staff, who have forged excellent staff/prisoner relationships, and the quality of healthcare being delivered within the prison.

“The connectivity between the prison and external partners is also applauded.

“The building might need replaced, but we cannot forget how hard the staff work to ensure the welfare of all prisoners.”

Inspectors have made 68 recommendations following their visit to the dilapidated jail, with their demand for SPS and the Scottish Government to commit to building a new facility chief among them.

Katy Clark, Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland and Member of the Criminal Justice Committee, said the report served as a reminder of the need for the Scottish Government to ‘urgently’ accelerate its replacement plans.

Ms Clark said: "The report again makes clear staff at HMP Greenock are doing a superb job, which reflects what I saw in person when I visited recently.

“There is much that is positive in this report which demonstrates why a prison in Greenock should be maintained.

“There are advantages in a smaller prison where strong relationships are developed between prisoners and staff, which will help rehabilitation.

"Staff and management at the prison have developed an 'excellent prison culture'. But it would be dangerous Scottish Government to dwell only on this point.

“Inspectors conclude HMP Greenock is a 'Victorian prison ill-suited to the demands of a modern prison system'.

“I am concerned by the finding that solutions to ongoing leaks and ventilation issues have 'not been secured', with a number of cells still unfit for habitation.  

"It is therefore vital ministers take heed and invest immediately to address physical deterioration at the prison.

“And they must, once and for all, come forward with a date to secure a new, modern replacement fit for the 21st century."