Greenock

Role and background

HMP Greenock manages adult men and women, including people on remand and those serving short and long sentences. It also has a national top-end function for selected men at a later stage of long-term custody.

Its five main residential areas serve different groups. Ailsa Hall mainly holds local men on remand or short sentences. Darroch Hall and Bute House accommodate women, while Chrisswell House and Arran House hold long-term men assessed as requiring low supervision.

These functions developed over time. Greenock first received prisoners in August 1910, initially with two residential buildings. Chrisswell House opened in 1996 to meet the needs of long-term prisoners, and women were introduced to the establishment in 2002.

Visiting and family contact

Family provision includes a private support space within the visits area, where visitors can obtain information and individual help. There are separate activities or spaces for younger and older children visiting family members.

Inside the prison and daily life

Greenock's history therefore includes substantial changes in who it holds and how the site is used. Its local receiving role and national progression accommodation should be kept distinct when explaining why a person is placed there. Neither a hall name nor a transfer, on its own, establishes when someone will be released.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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