HMYOI Polmont

HM YOI Polmont
Map
LocationPolmont, Falkirk
StatusOperational
Security classYoung Offenders Institution
Capacity712
Managed byScottish Prison Service
GovernorGerald 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younger than 16.[3] Living conditions have also been criticised, including an alleged insufficency of food and the outdated practice of slopping out.[4]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.

  1. ^ "HMYOI Polmont". Scottish Prison Service. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Report on HMYOI Polmont - Full Inspection 22-30 October 2012". Scottish government. Scottish government. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  3. ^ "'Concern' over child jail numbers". BBC News. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  4. ^ "Slopping out continues at Polmont". Scottish Government. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 20 August 2009.