The Growing Challenge of Gang Activity in Scottish Prisons
The increasing presence of organized crime groups within Scotland’s prison system has created a complex and dangerous environment for both inmates and staff. With hundreds of gang members incarcerated, prison staff are constantly engaged in a high-stakes game of strategy to prevent violent confrontations between rival factions. This situation has led to an unprecedented rise in the number of prisoners held in segregation, as authorities attempt to manage the escalating tensions.
According to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), the number of inmates placed in isolation has reached an all-time high. This is driven by a surge in attacks linked to serious organized crime groups (SOCGs) and local gangs. The SPS chief executive, Teresa Medhurst, described the current situation as “very worrying,” emphasizing that the threat extends beyond just conflicts among prisoners. She highlighted that assaults on prison staff have also increased, adding to the pressure on an already strained system.
A Heroic Effort by Prison Staff
Prison officers are working under immense pressure to maintain order and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) reported that many of its members feel threatened by gang-affiliated prisoners, with some facing intimidation and even physical harm. Phil Fairlie, assistant general secretary for Scotland at the POA, noted that gangsters often target vulnerable staff members, trying to manipulate or recruit them. He described the level of fear and anxiety among officers as “a worry to everybody.”
Gillian Walker, governor of HMP Shotts—one of the few prisons in Scotland that exclusively houses individuals serving long-term sentences—explained that managing SOCG inmates is more challenging than ever. “It’s a daily battle to keep on top of it,” she said. “For want of a better phrase, it’s moving chess pieces constantly.” The prison, which holds 538 inmates, includes 221 life prisoners, many of whom are associated with organized crime groups.
Escalating Violence and Organized Crime
The recent rise in gang-related violence has further complicated the prison environment. The feud between two major crime families—the Daniels in Glasgow and the Lyons on the west coast—has led to a wave of attacks, including the murders of two senior members of the Lyons group in Spain. Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr were shot dead in Fuengirola in May, sparking fears of retaliation within the prison system.
Despite initial speculation that the killings were orchestrated from Scotland, Police Scotland issued a statement indicating there was “no current evidence” to support this claim. However, the incident had a significant impact on HMP Shotts, where many of the prison’s inmates are linked to the Lyons gang.
Overcrowding and New Challenges
Overcrowding has exacerbated the challenges faced by the prison system. The number of violent incidents in Scottish prisons has risen from 95 per month in 2022 to 135 per month in 2024. The SPS has implemented measures such as early release schemes for short-term inmates to ease the burden, but the population is once again approaching the all-time high of 8,420 set in 2012.
Teresa Medhurst warned that breaking this record is a “realistic expectation.” She emphasized that overcrowding makes it harder for staff to gather intelligence and build relationships with prisoners, which is essential for maintaining order. “There are so many factions, so many people who need to be kept separate, that it is making life very difficult for them,” she said.
The Use of Drones in Drug Smuggling
Another growing concern is the use of drones to smuggle contraband into prisons. Organized crime groups have increasingly turned to this method to bring in dangerous drugs, weapons, and mobile phones. Mrs. Medhurst described this as a “game changer,” noting that packages carried by a single drone can be worth over £10,000. In response, anti-drone grills are being installed across the prison estate to prevent such activities.
Ongoing Efforts to Address the Crisis
The Scottish government has taken steps to address the challenges posed by the prison population. Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated that efforts are underway to reduce the harm caused by organized crime and improve the sustainability of the prison system. She mentioned that future policies will be informed by the recommendations of the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, which is expected to report by the end of 2025.
As the situation continues to evolve, the balance between security, rehabilitation, and public safety remains a critical challenge for Scotland’s prison system.
