Children’s Christmas party held for prisoners

INMATES at Perth Prison enjoyed a host of events over the festive period at a cost of more than £1,000.

Prisoners were kept entertained with sports competitions, as well as quizzes and a children’s party, over a period of ten days.

Sports events costing a total of £300 were held between December 20 and 23, with a further three days of events in the lead-up to New Year’s Day.

The prison, which can accommodate more than 630 inmates, also held a children’s Christmas party — costing more than £300 — on December 20.

An additional £600 was spent on quizzes and other events.

Pete White, chief executive of Positive Prison? Positive Futures, said anything that could be done to improve the outlook for inmates should be welcomed.

He said: “For a prison that can accommodate more than 630 inmates, that equates to roughly £1.50 a head.

“Anything that can be done to nourish the lives of the individuals in jail could pay dividends once they leave that environment.

“This isn’t spending more than £1,000 on a jolly.

“If this changes the life of one inmate, it could mean one less victim on the street.”

Mr White added: “Although it is an artificial environment, events such as a children’s party allow a prisoner interaction with family that could help to develop and nurture relationships once they leave.”

Meanwhile, at Polmont Young Offenders’ Institution where people aged 16-21 are sent from across Scotland — including Tayside — staff organised a talent competition, pool and table tennis.

A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: “Establishment lock-up times are between 5pm-6pm, therefore all prisoners are locked in their cells prior to Hogmanay.

“A number of events and activities were arranged i n prisons across Scotland over the festive period.

“We recognise that this is a challenging time for those in our care and their families.

“We also recognise that this is a difficult time for victims.

“This is an important time of year when relatives have the opportunity to spend time with people in our care.

“These events nurture family relationships, which help to reduce reoffending.

“Events at prisons are funded from existing budgets, charitable donations or workshop profits.”