A lottery-funded leadership course at a north-east superjail will be the first available to inmates in any Scottish prison.
Charity Lead Scotland, which aims to widen access to learning for disabled people and carers, has secured cash from Big Lottery Scotland to unveil a pilot programme in Peterhead’s HMP Grampian.
The accredited community action and leadership course was developed to offer learners experience in the workplace, including a range of communication and digital skills.
This initiative by Lead Scotland marks the first time the training has been delivered in a prison. The new funding will allow specialists to adapt the training to “meet the needs of the prisoners involved” and work with them to reduce reoffending.
Last night, the organisation’s north development manager Norman MacAskill said: “We are delighted that Big Lottery Scotland are funding us to pilot this course in HMP Grampian.
“We look forward to working with staff at the prison to develop and pilot the course materials and create a version of it that will support offenders to integrate more in the prison community.
“This will include taking up further learning opportunities, and helping ex-offenders to engage more effectively with their communities following their release.”
Mr MacAskill added that the course was particularly beneficial for people who “experience barriers to learning”.
He said: “It can support them to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to be able to influence change within their communities, via active citizenship.
“They will also gain an accredited qualification.”
