Net zero prison to boost jobs and investment | Public Sector Executive

Final confirmation has been given so that a new net zero prison can be constructed in Scotland.

HMP Highland, based in Inverness, will cost £209 million and will not only be able to accommodate more than double the number of prisons currently able to be housed in the existed HMP Inverness, but will also be Scotland’s first net zero prison. Alongside improvements to the sustainability and capacity of the facility, improved education and health facilities will be available to prisoners.

By increasing the number of offenders that can be housed in a facility in the Highlands, more men from the northern part of Scotland will be accommodated in their local area, which improves access for families and services.

Angela Constance, Scotland’s Justice Secretary, commented:

“Signing this contract marks a significant milestone for the Highlands, which will not only provide much-needed additional capacity and continue the modernisation of Scotland’s prison estate but will also provide investment and jobs to the area.

“HMP Highland will deliver safe and secure accommodation with better education and health facilities to help with rehabilitation and reduce offending.

“It also means more prisoners will be accommodated locally, improving family connections and access to courts and legal representatives.

“As with all large-scale national construction projects, Brexit, high-inflation and supply chain issues have had an impact on the initial estimated costs, which we have been working hard with the prison service and suppliers to keep to a minimum.”

With the signing of the contract, the surrounding area of the prison will also benefit thanks to further investment, and the creation of additional jobs and apprenticeships for local people. The contract that has been signed with the supplier will see more than £60 million of investment injected into the supply chain, as well as ensuring that local businesses and people are involved in the construction and operation phases of the facility.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, Linda Pollock, added:

“With the support of the Scottish Government, we are committed to investing in our estate to create better environments for people to live and work.

“HMP Highland will not only increase the capacity previously available at HMP Inverness, but also provide space for quality rehabilitative work which we know gives people the greatest possible chance of a successful return to their communities on liberation.

“This project has so far seen the creation of new jobs and apprenticeships for the local area, with more to come in the future.”

The prison that is being replaced, HMP Inverness, is now one of the smallest and oldest in Scotland.

Image credit: The Scottish Government