New Inverness prison will support rehabilitation and reduce offending, says Highlands and Islands SNP MSP
The new Inverness prison will be a place where prisoners can get the support to turn their lives around, according to a Highlands and Islands MSP.
Emma Roddick welcomed the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to funding HMP Highland - currently under construction to replace HMP Inverness - during a visit to the site.
The £209 million project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
• Inverness prisoners have weapons, drugs and mobile phones seized
• £209 million new Highland prison in Inverness moves a step closer
The new prison will provide modern facilities for prisoners and staff and will be designed to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.
The draft 2025/26 Budget commits £347 million to Scotland’s prison estate, with specific mention of the completion of HMP Highland and HMP Glasgow.
Ms Roddick said she was delighted to see the investment in HMP Highland being delivered by local contractors with the support of the SNP Government.
“This new prison will be a significant improvement on the current facilities at HMP Inverness, and will provide a much better environment for both prisoners and staff,” she said.
“I am particularly pleased to see that the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that HMP Highland is a place where prisoners can get the support they need to turn their lives around.
“This is essential if we are to reduce reoffending and make our communities safer.”
She said the local SNP branch and colleagues on Highland Council had taken a keen interest in making sure that the facilities met the needs of all who would use them.
“I look forward to continuing to engage with colleagues in council, government, and locally as the project develops,” she added.
