Edinburgh

Role and background

HMP Edinburgh receives adult men predominantly from courts in Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Borders, with admissions also coming from Fife. Its responsibilities cover remand, short sentences, long sentences, life sentences and people subject to an Order for Lifelong Restriction.

The breadth of that population is central to understanding the establishment. A man arriving from court while awaiting trial is at a different legal stage from someone serving a long sentence. The prison has to accommodate both immediate court demands and continuing custody.

The present site began receiving prisoners around 1920, replacing Calton Gaol. Its buildings have since changed substantially. A redevelopment programme lasting about a decade concluded with the opening of Ratho House in January 2009; the oldest building within the grounds dates from 1998.

Visiting and family contact

Family support is provided through a purpose-built visitors' centre managed with Barnardo's and the Onward Trust. It offers help for people affected by imprisonment, including relatives uncertain about what a first visit involves. Visits themselves remain subject to booking, identification and security procedures.

Inside the prison and daily life

Edinburgh's history and modern role therefore need to be considered together. It occupies a long-established place in the city's justice system, while the accommodation and range of prisoners it manages have evolved considerably.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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