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Visitors to HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow have been unable to use toilets due to ongoing water supply problems. The issues began on Thursday night and have continued into the weekend. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
Some inmates in A and E halls first reported water problems on Thursday night. They had no access to bottled water at the time.
By Friday, the water supply had partially returned but then failed again later that night. Visitors reported being unable to use toilets or showers.
One woman supporting a prisoner said laundry had not been done since before Thursday. Prisoners have no clean clothes or showers.
Key Facts
- Water pressure dropped at 16:00 on Thursday.
- Prisoners were given two-litre bottles of water after initially receiving flavoured water.
- Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said there were no prisoner requests for bottled water overnight on Friday.
- Scottish Water confirmed no issues with its network but said the matter is internal to the prison.
- Visitors were allowed to attend, but basic facilities like toilets were inaccessible.
Background
Barlinnie, opened in 1882, is Scotland’s largest prison. It was the first new prison built after the 1877 Prison Act nationalised the system.
The prison has a long history, including being a site of capital punishment where 10 men were executed between 1946 and 1960.
It is also a Category A-listed building by Historic Environment Scotland, recognising its social historical significance.
The prison has long struggled with overcrowding.
Why It Matters
Prisoners rely on the Scottish Prison Service to provide basic necessities. The inability to access water or showers undermines health and dignity.
One supporter said: “Surely distributing bottled water should be an immediate priority when the water supply fails?”
With prisoners often seeing family only for 45 minutes a week, the lack of basic hygiene facilities adds to their hardship.
Communication between visitors and prison staff has been described as poor. This limits support and raises concerns about oversight.
What to Watch Next
The Scottish Prison Service will continue working with Scottish Water to resolve the issue. Updates will be provided as progress is made.
As the prison prepares for a new facility, ongoing operational challenges like water supply must be addressed to ensure safety and basic standards.
For more on Barlinnie’s history and current status, see the BBC article on its Category A listing.
For updates on the new prison project, visit the Scottish government’s official page.
For a broader look at prison conditions in Scotland, explore the BBC’s coverage on recent inspections.
- Water supply issues began Thursday and have persisted into the weekend.
- Visitors cannot use toilets or showers due to the water failure.
- Prisoners have no clean clothes or access to showers.
- SPS and Scottish Water are working to resolve the issue.
- There is no official count of affected prisoners, though A and E halls are known to be impacted.
These are not luxuries. They are basic necessities. Prisoners depend entirely on the Scottish Prison Service to meet such needs.
Without immediate contingency measures, the situation risks worsening for vulnerable individuals already facing difficult conditions.
