Prison charity partnership

A Fife mental health charity has formed “the perfect partnership” with Glenochil prison to refurbish washing machines.

Castle Furniture, which has bases in Cupar and Glenrothes, collects the used goods from members of the public before taking them to the prison in Clackmannanshire.

A specially selected team of inmates, who have been fully trained, rigorously test, refurbish and repair the appliances before returning them to the charity.

The second-hand machines are then sold to raise funds for mental health work in Fife.

Prison governor Nigel Ironside said: “This relationship with Castle Furniture is fantastic for us.

“We are always looking for new and constructive ways to engage those in our care.

“We have had a very positive response from those who have been selected to take part,” he added.

Castle Furniture’s operations manager Gail Jackson has spearheaded the project.

She said: “The quality of the work has been amazing and we are delighted with the end product.”

Cupar Ward Conservative councillor Tony Miklinski added: “It’s a rare win-winwin situation. The prison population enjoys the work; Castle Furniture has an efficient workforce; and the profits are all ploughed into helping those affected by mental health, poverty or social injustice.”