07 September 2009

David Stewart, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP has welcomed news from the Justice Secretary that moves are already being made to improve cell conditions in Oban Sheriff Court.

It comes as they were described as ‘dreadful’ in HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Greenock.

Mr Stewart said: "The cells in Oban Sheriff Court were slammed in the report into Greenock Prison, so I am delighted to find that work is already underway to improve the situation.

"An answer I have received from Kenny MacAskill has highlighted the Scottish Court Service have reached an in-principle agreement with Strathclyde Police that will shortly allow prisoners attending Oban Sheriff Court to be held in Oban police cells."

Mr Stewart added: "The Justice Secretary advised that Reliance Custodial Services have undertaken a risk assessment of the premises and arrangements for a formal lease agreement are now being put in place."