A deficit in trust and lengthy delays in sentence progression are leaving long-term prisoners in Scotland without hope
A new report from the Prison Reform Trust, written by David Cross and developed through a prisoner-led consultation at HMP Glenochil1HMP Glenochil is a prison for adult men in Clackmannanshire, designed to accommodate 670 prisoners. A significant proportion of these prisoners are from areas in Forth Valley and Fife., calls for urgent reforms to restore hope for men serving very long-term sentences in Scotland’s prisons. Drawing on surveys and focus groups with prisoners, the report reveals systemic delays, poor communication, and a lack of transparency in the sentence progression process—leaving many feeling forgotten and hopeless. It calls for a fairer, more accountable system that fosters personal development, sustains hope, and ensures timely progression through the prison system towards release.
Prisoners are spending years longer than may be necessary for the purposes of punishment or rehabilitation, because they are unable to access what they need to prepare them, and demonstrate that they are ready for release. Many prisoners serving life sentences or Orders for Lifelong Restriction (OLRs) have spent years—sometimes decades—beyond the punishment part of their sentence (tariff), due to delays in accessing required programmes, assessments, and transfers to less secure conditions. This prolonged detention undermines hope and raises serious concerns about fairness, human rights and accountability.
“I’ve seen guys with a tariff of less than two years still here more than 15 years later – that is terrifying, it diminishes your hope completely, what hope have I got?”
Prisoner
“My tariff expired in 2009. I wasn’t given an appropriate programme until 2017.”
Prisoner
The findings echo the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s recent discussion paper on OLRs, which urged the Scottish Government and Parliament to urgently consider whether OLR administration meets Scotland’s human-rights obligations.
Many prisoners reported that they struggle to maintain family relationships, as they cannot explain why their progression has stalled. To loved ones, it can appear as though they are not making enough effort, when in reality, systemic barriers and waiting lists are often to blame. The report highlights the importance of fostering hope by providing prisoners with clear timelines, consistent access to rehabilitative activities, and opportunities to plan for the future.
“The families get it the worst. Their hopes, and all of a sudden they get dashed totally destroyed. We can handle it. We just accept it because things happen all the time here. Outside it’s different for them because they’re longing for this next stage. They can’t understand why it’s not happening. It’s supposed to happen. It must be our fault. What did you do?”
Prisoner
Trust in the system is also a significant concern. Prisoners said that they feel their personal efforts to change and develop—through education, activities, or compliance with prison rules—are not adequately recognised in formal decision-making processes. Negative treatment, poor communication, and a lack of accountability further erode trust, making it difficult for prisoners to engage meaningfully with progression activities. The report calls for stronger relationships between prisoners and key staff, including personal officers, social workers, and psychologists, to help to rebuild trust and improve engagement.
“You’re waiting on all these reports, thinking you’re going to move forward and they decide, ‘you need to do a refresher on this course’—if they didn’t take as long after each course we wouldn’t need to take refreshers on them.”
Prisoner
“I’ve put a nurse referral in to see the mental health team. And then…the psychologist says…‘if you go through with that it will end up being a risk factor’ that didn’t exist in the first place.”
Prisoner
The report also highlights the barriers faced by prisoners with additional needs, including those with physical health issues, neurodivergence, or language barriers. Prisoners report that the process of preparing for release often fails to adequately accommodate and support these needs, exacerbating the challenges faced by these individuals. It is essential that the Scottish Prison Service provides reasonable adjustments to ensure inclusivity and compliance with its human rights and statutory equality obligations.
Commenting, Claudia Vince, Programme Director of the Prison Reform Trust’s Building Futures project on long-term imprisonment said:
“This report reflects the voices of some of those most affected by Scotland’s sentence progression system. Their insights reveal deep challenges—but also a clear path forward. By involving prisoners and external stakeholders in shaping solutions, and working collaboratively, we can build a more effective system that better supports rehabilitation and reintegration, whilst restoring hope. This benefits not only those in custody, but also their families and communities—creating safer, more just outcomes for everyone.”
