SPSScotland’s worst prison disorder in a decade, which broke out at a young offenders institution in September, caused almost £50,000 worth of damage.
The incident in September involved around 30 inmates at HMP & YOI Polmont, and required additional officers from four other jails to help restore order.
Inmates armed themselves with “homemade weapons” resulting in several officers suffering minor injuries and the facility being locked down.
Images released by SPS in October revealed the extent of the destruction within YOI Polmont, including broken furniture, glass strewn across the floor, and panelling torn from the walls and ceilings.
A large amount of debris also littered several communal areas of the prison.
SPSIt has now emerged through a Freedom of Information request seen by STV News that the cost of repairs incurred by the Scottish Prison Service following the riot was £47,135.
An SPS spokesperson said the incident was resolved “safely and securely by staff”, adding: “The health and safety of those in our care, and our staff, was a key priority throughout.”
Linda Pollock, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), previously told BBC News the riot was an example of “bubbling tension” caused by overcrowding at the facility.
SPSPollock said the riot was “not unexpected” given the rising pressure facing prisons due to the sharp increase in the number of people held in custody.
It was revealed in October that Scotland’s prison population could rise by nearly 1,000 inmates by next summer.
Scottish Government projections released on October 29 suggest the prison population could reach a high of 9,450 by June 2027. The current design capacity of the prison estate is 7,805.
It was revealed earlier this week that MSPs were only made aware of the extent of the prison riot six weeks after the fact through media reports.
The Criminal Justice Committee has written to justice secretary Neil Gray and Ms Pollock to register “serious concerns” regarding communication, transparency and strategic oversight surrounding major operational disturbances within the SPS estate.
Police Scotland is continuing to investigate the riot at YOI Polmont.
SPS is preparing to overhaul several prisons across the country, with construction under way on HMP Highland costing over £200m and HMP Glasgow costing £1bn.
SPSThe new prison expected to open in 2028 will replace the ageing Barlinnie facility, which was hit with water issues last month.
The issues continued for around a week, with intermittent periods where inmates had little access to running water.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
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