A debate has erupted over Scotland’s plan to build a state-of-the-art prison, with critics arguing that taxpayers are footing the bill for what looks more like a luxury resort than a correctional facility.

With a price tag nearing £1 billion, the proposed HMP Glasgow has drawn sharp criticism for its costly features, including an orchard, landscaped gardens, and even owl nesting boxes.

Skyrocketing Costs and Unique Features

Originally expected to cost far less, the project has seen its budget balloon to nearly ten times its initial estimate.

The new facility is set to replace Glasgow’s aging Barlinnie Prison, but concerns are mounting over the “unnecessary” amenities planned for the site.

The design includes an entrance plaza with amphitheater-style seating, ecological enhancement areas featuring ponds and wetlands, and a garden meant for meditation and prayer.

Additionally, prisoners will have access to a horticulture area with allotment plots and fruit trees, designed to teach new skills and promote rehabilitation.

Justification vs. Backlash

Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance has defended the project, calling it a necessary investment in the future of Scotland’s correctional system.

She emphasized that the facility would be “net zero” and “trauma-informed,” meaning it is designed to take into account the difficult experiences many inmates have faced.

However, critics argue that such a massive expenditure is hard to justify, especially as Scotland faces overcrowded prisons and ongoing financial pressures elsewhere.

Political Clash Over Spending

The debate took center stage during First Minister’s Questions, where Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay confronted First Minister John Swinney about the soaring costs.

Findlay accused the SNP government of prioritizing inmate comfort over taxpayer interests, likening the project to a high-end retreat rather than a secure prison.

He pointed out that the cost of HMP Glasgow surpasses that of Scotland’s flagship Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which was built for £842 million.

In response, Swinney defended the expenditure, arguing that a modern prison was essential to replace the outdated Barlinnie facility.

He dismissed Findlay’s criticism as “obnoxious rhetoric,” insisting that the project had undergone thorough cost analysis and that expenses were being carefully managed.

The Bigger Picture: Early Release Policy

The controversy over the prison’s cost comes at a time when Scotland is preparing to release hundreds of prisoners early in an effort to reduce overcrowding.

A new law taking effect in February will see some inmates serving sentences under four years released at 40% of their term, instead of 50%.

While offenders convicted of domestic abuse and sexual crimes are excluded from the policy, concerns remain about the potential risks to public safety.

What’s Next?

With construction expected to continue despite the backlash, the Scottish government will face ongoing scrutiny over its handling of the prison project.

The opposition is likely to keep up pressure, demanding a reassessment of spending priorities.

Meanwhile, questions remain about whether this ambitious new facility will truly serve as a model for modern rehabilitation—or simply a costly controversy for years to come.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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