Women prisoners are to be held in men-only prisons closer to the homes under plans set to be approved on Friday.

The move comes following a damning report of Scotland’s only female prison, Cornton Vale.

Under the proposals female inmates would be moved to facilites in Aberdeen and Inverness.

Women were last held in Porterfield Prison in Inverness two years ago but the unit was closed amid serious overcrowding.

If the move is approved the ‘Reintegration Units’ would be opened in May for inmates who live in the north or for those reaching the end of their sentences.

Cornton Vale, in Stirling, was described as being “in a state of crisis” by an inspectors report in January as a result of overcrowding.

Living conditions were described as “unacceptable” in the report with toilet, bedding and food all coming in for criticism.

The prison came under the spotlight in the 1990s because of the high number of women committing suicide. Eight prisoners ended their lives between 1995 and 1998.

Women are due to be held in the proposed £40million replacement for Inverness Prison in the same building as men and young offenders.