Women’s prison is the country’s most violent

to police. However, the union want to ensure that procurators fiscal take such reports seriously and prosecute in the courts rather than determine that it may not be in the public’s interest.”

Cornton Vale has capacity for 119 inmates and holds ser ious offenders. The jail, which was built in 1975, is due to close next year and make way for a new national women’s facility, which will be built close to the existing site.

The SPS said: “We recognise the importance of providing a safe environment for our staff and it’s our policy that all assaults on staff are reported to the appropriate authorities.”