Prison video conferencing scheme could be extended

A pilot scheme allowing Highland prisoners to take part in court hearings via video conference could be extended to other jails.

Chief Inspector of Prisons David Strang praised Inverness Prison for its efforts to cut disruption for inmates and staff with lengthy trips to court.

During his inspection of the facility in February, Mr Strang saw a remand prisoner “appear” at Stornoway Sheriff Court via video link from Inverness.

He said that the hearing lasted less than a minute.

Normally, prisoners being held in Inverness would be flown to the islands for court appearances, accompanied by two warders.

Mr Strang said that the scheme should be extended across Scotland.

Inverness Prison governor Caroline Johnston said that the technology had been used on several occasions, cutting costs and staff time.