On 12 July 2023, a cross-sectional study by Glasgow University researchers entitled, ‘Associations Between Significant Head Injury in Male Juveniles in Prison in Scotland UK and Cognitive Function, Disability and Crime’ was published. The research was carried out with 103 participants from HMP/YOI Polmont. It found that whilst there was no difference in offending between those with and without significant head injury (SHI), signs of poorer behavioural control and greater psychological distress in juveniles with SHI suggests that they may be at greater risk of reoffending and of potentially becoming lifelong offenders. This implies a need for corresponding “remedial programmes” to take this into account.

On 14 July 2023 HMIPS published its full inspection report of HMP Greenock. Whilst it praised the leadership and management of the prison, highlighting what it described as “excellent staff-prisoner relationships” it did not shy away from serious criticism of the appalling state of the building which dates from the early 1900s. There are no plans as yet to replace it, with new issues arising re the previously confirmed rebuilding of HMP Barlinnie and HMP Inverness in terms of costs and timings.