 | |
| Location | Polmont, Falkirk |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Young Offenders Institution |
| Capacity | 712 |
| Managed by | Scottish Prison Service |
| Governor | Gerald Michie |
His Majesty's Young Offenders Institution Polmont is the largest young offender's institution in Scotland. It is located in the village of Reddingmuirhead.
HMP Polmont first opened as a Borstal in 1911 in the buildings of the former Blairlodge Academy. The Academy had been forced to close in 1908 due to financial difficulties and a subsequent outbreak of an infectious disease, and the Prison Commissioners bought the site in 1911.[1]
It is designed to hold up to 760 inmates between the ages of 16 and 21,[2] although there have been several reports and complaints about the presence of inmates younger than 16.[3] Living conditions have also been criticised, including an alleged insufficency of food and the outdated practice of slopping out.[4]
Notable inmates have included murderer Luke Mitchell, Chris Cunningham, star of BBC Scotland's The Scheme, and Aaron Campbell, convicted of carrying out one instance of child abduction, rape and murder.
- ^ "HMYOI Polmont". Scottish Prison Service. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
- ^ "Report on HMYOI Polmont - Full Inspection 22-30 October 2012". Scottish government. Scottish government. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
- ^ "'Concern' over child jail numbers". BBC News. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
- ^ "Slopping out continues at Polmont". Scottish Government. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 20 August 2009.