Addiewell

Role and background

HMP Addiewell stands between Glasgow and Edinburgh in West Lothian, on land once occupied by a chemical works. Opened in 2008, it receives a broad male population, including men on remand, while excluding women and convicted young people from its stated allocation.

The prison's published model provides for 40 hours of purposeful activity a week. That describes the intended provision; it does not establish that every person receives those hours on every week of their sentence.

Inside the prison and daily life

Its distinctive feature is a regime organised around learning, employment and work on offending behaviour. These are separate strands: classroom study develops skills, prison jobs provide practical experience, and structured interventions address the circumstances connected with offending. Peer supporters also help with activities, induction and support for other prisoners.

Visiting and family contact

Family contact takes place through booked visits and virtual sessions. A visitors' centre run with Cyrenians provides information and support before families enter the secure part of the establishment. The visits hall includes refreshments and a children's play area, with wheelchair access and accessible toilet facilities.

Addiewell therefore combines a custodial role with an explicit emphasis on preparation for life outside. Its location, visiting arrangements and learning model explain how it differs from Scotland's older urban prisons.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

Use Addiewell's official page below for its current booking route, required identification, permitted items and travel instructions.

Confirm that the person is still at Addiewell and that your visit has been accepted before making travel arrangements. Ask the prison in advance about disability access, medication or children's needs.