Second young prisoner dies in Scotland in just over a week

A second prisoner has died in a Scottish prison, just over a week after a 19-year-old died at Polmont Young Offenders Institution.

The Scottish Prison Service confirmed the 28-year-old man died at Saughton Prison in Edinburgh on Friday.

The prisoner made a 999 call from the landline in his cell the night before his death, STV News understands.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

It comes after a 19-year-old male died at Polmont YOI in Falkirk on Sunday, March 8.

The teen was being held in the protection wing of the prison for reasons unrelated to the offence for which he was jailed.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.

“Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.”

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Prison custody deaths

This latest incident comes after figures on Wednesday revealed that the number of people dying while in prison custody has surged to the highest level since 2012.

Some 54 deaths were recorded in prison custody in 2023-24, 15 higher than the year before.

Ten of the deaths over the latest year were recorded as probable suicides – up one since the year before.

Overall, 399 people have died in prison custody since 2012.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson added: “Our commitment to improving safety, care and wellbeing across the prison estate remains unwavering.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to learn, deepen our understanding, and strengthen the systems and supports that protect people in our care.”