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Scottish early prison release scheme involved 477 inmates

The minister said she would dispute any suggestions delays to opening HMP Highland in Inverness had played a part in the problem.

The cost of building the new prison for the Highlands and Islands is expected to be four times more than originally estimated.

The Scottish government said in April it had given the final go-ahead for construction at a cost of £209m.

The initial cost estimate of about £52m more than 10 years ago later rose to £92m and then to almost £140m in 2022.

The new prison on a site near Inverness Campus is expected to be completed in 2026 – six years later than originally planned.

Ms Constance said: “I am very pleased with the progress now being made.

“It is very visible progress.”

The Scottish government proposed the early release of prisoners in May and Holyrood’s criminal justice committee approved the move the following month.

In May, there were 8,365 prisoners in Scotland, the highest number since 2012.

Scottish Prison Service has a target operating capacity of 8,007.


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