Lilias Centre

Role and background

The Lilias Centre in Maryhill, Glasgow, is a community custody unit for women assessed as requiring low supervision. It became operational in 2022 and uses four shared houses, with a stated total capacity of 24.

The model is designed around women's needs and an understanding of trauma. It also creates opportunities for closer community contact and access to local services. Those are the aims of the setting; they should not be confused with evidence that every resident has achieved a particular rehabilitation outcome.

Lilias is consequently different from a large prison receiving a broad population directly from court. Its small size and low-supervision population explain why its physical appearance and daily arrangements differ from the traditional image of a prison wing.

Inside the prison and daily life

Its accommodation is designed to support practical independence while residents remain in custody. Sharing a house is intended to reflect aspects of ordinary living and help people develop the skills needed for life in the community.

Visiting and family contact

Visits are still organised through the centre, with identification requirements including photographic identification and proof of address. Families should confirm the current booking arrangements before travelling to Shawpark Street. Community custody remains part of a sentence or custodial placement, with rules governing the people living there.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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

Community work or temporary release depends on individual approval and risk assessment; the establishment's open or community setting does not remove custody rules.