Standards at HMP Kilmarnock ‘generally acceptable’ but have declined – report

An inspection has found that standards at a prison have declined when compared with a previous inspection.

A His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) report published on Wednesday found that HMP Kilmarnock’s overall standards were “generally acceptable”, whereas in 2021 all nine criteria were found to be satisfactory.

The report follows an inspection that was carried out between May 19 and May 23 last year.

It was carried out in partnership with Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) and the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland (ES).

HMP Kilmarnock was designed to operate with a population of 500 inmates, but after it became a public sector prison in 2024, it had to accommodate up to another 157 prisoners, the report said.

HMIPS said the prison marginally fell short of minimum space standards, with 223 cells intended for single occupants now housing two prisoners each.

38 cells were being shared by convicted and remand prisoners, which also breaches the United Nations minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners.

The report noted relationships between staff and prisoners were respectful, and constructive, contributing to stability and with minimal violence.

Disciplinary action was found to be person-centred, and the inspector found there was a positive approach to work, education and physical activity.

The report found the transition to the public sector had led to a decline in communications between staff and partner agencies, with staff rotation creating a lack of clarity over responsibilities, with a knock-on effect on cleanliness, hygiene and equipment management.

Equality and diversity standards had also declined, with the inspectorate stating the prison may fall short of Public Sector Equality Duty.

Other criticisms included: late arriving prisoners not receiving immediate health screenings; people being held in isolation outside the segregation unit; inconsistencies in prisoners getting out for fresh air; and a complaints system that lacked credibility.

Library services were also limited, prisoners were not consulted or engaged with enough, and there was dissatisfaction with safeguarding and food quality, the report found.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “We welcome the chief inspector’s report on HMP Kilmarnock and its recognition of the positive and respectful relationships between staff and those in our care, the excellent approach to work, education and gym, and the 17 examples of good practice found throughout the report.

“It is also pleasing that it found the transfer of HMP Kilmarnock to SPS to have been safe and controlled, and with no prisoner unrest.

“Work is already under way to address many of the points raised as we continue to seek to improve how we support people, reduce their risk of reoffending, and help to build the safer communities we all want to see.”