There are calls for a replacement prison in Inverness to go ahead, after it was decided that plans for a new all-women prison had been dropped.

Earlier this week, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson confirmed that the controversial £75m prison, which would have replaced the women-only prison, Cornton Vale in Stirling, would not be progressing.

Now, Councillor Stephen McCabe, Inverclyde Council leader, has called for a replacement prison for HMP Greenock to go ahead. HMP Greenock currently houses around 50 female offenders, as well as the facilities for males serving both long and short-term sentences.

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In a statement, Councillor McCabe said: "As a key local partner in the delivery of support for women in the criminal justice system we would be keen to be fully involved in the wide engagement highlighted by the Cabinet Secretary earlier this week as part of his announcement on the women's prison rethink.

"Given that the women's prison will now not go ahead, I have asked that the original proposal of a replacement prison for HMP Greenock should go ahead instead.

"The original proposal locally was to replace the existing prison, HMP Greenock. This was expected to be on the same site which was more recently being cleared for the women's prison. I understand that the necessary funding was earmarked at the time of the initial replacement proposal."

He concluded: "As a key stakeholder, Inverclyde Council would also wish to be involved in discussions around the future planning for HMP Greenock and remain committed to ensuring that a replacement prison for the existing building is now constructed as originally proposed."

(JP/MH)