I’m a lag, get me out of here... and other Xmas games in jail
COMEDY, karaoke and quizzes – it sounds like a seasonal programme to satisfy even the staunchest Christmas critic.
But rather than the line-up for a festive get-together, these are just a few of the activities prisoners in Scotland’s jails will be treated to between now and the New Year.
Inmates will enjoy parties, competitions and concerts over the holiday period, including I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here-style bushtucker trials. They will also be given gifts if they win quizzes based on Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz show.
Events will also be held for prisoners and their families, such as Santa visits. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said more than £7,500 will be spent on the events, with most of the cost paid for through ‘common good funds’ made up of charitable donations and jail workshop profits.
HMP Low Moss, near Bishopbriggs, Dunbartonshire, has spent almost £700 on bingo and karaoke machines for festive parties and will dish out more than £1,000 worth of prize money to competition winners.
Prisoners at Barlinnie in Glasgow will be treated to a comedy show by stand-up Tom Stade and a singing competition. At HMP Grampian, there will be a Big Fat Christmas Quiz and Family Fortunes.
Women at Cornton Vale in Stirling will take part in a bushtucker trial on Christmas Day, followed by a Disney movie night with hot chocolate and marshmallows on Hogmanay. They will also get nail treatments at a prison boutique and take part in a dance competition.
HMP Greenock in Renfrewshire will play host to a comedy sketch show, performances by a theatre group and a bingo night with live music.
Shotts maximum security prison in Lanarkshire – home to some of the country’s worst offenders – will hold sports days and quizzes.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Douglas Ross said: ‘While everyone has the right to celebrate Christmas, the extent of the parties and competitions will concern some people. People are sent to prison as a punishment and to rehabilitate, not to have parties, play games and win prizes.
‘We must never forget that with every prisoner comes a victim – and these events may not sit well with victims and their families. Their thoughts deserve to be respected.’
Earlier this month, prison chiefs revealed plans to let hundreds of criminals – including murderers and violent thugs – go home for the Christmas holidays.
The festive exodus comes despite new figures showing prisoners have enjoyed nearly 50,000 days out on home leave over the past three years – with scores of them reoffending.
An SPS spokesman said: ‘The vast majority of these events where there are costs associated are paid for through the common good fund which the prisoners contribute to.
‘Other events are paid for from existing budgets. Christmas is a very important time for everyone and it is also a time when families have the opportunity to spend time with people in our care. These events can nurture family relationships, which help to reduce reoffending.’
‘Prison is not for games and parties’