Perth

Inside the prison and daily life

HMP Perth mainly receives men from courts in Perth and Kinross, Dundee, Angus and Fife. Its population spans remand, short sentences, long sentences, life sentences and Orders for Lifelong Restriction, with accommodation also managing men convicted of sexual offences.

More recent change has involved rebuilding and refurbishment. D Hall closed for upgrading in 1996, beginning an extended period of improvement. A later programme carried out over five years concluded in 2007, substantially changing the accommodation from earlier versions of the prison.

Role and background

That range gives Perth both a regional court-receiving role and continuing responsibility for people serving substantial sentences. The legal distinction between someone awaiting trial and someone convicted remains essential when describing who is held there.

The prison's history includes a period of partial closure between 1922 and 1927, when it served as a reception point before men were sent to Dundee Prison. It fully reopened when Dundee closed in 1927.

Visiting and family contact

Its stated design capacity exceeds 630 places, but a design figure should not be presented as a current headcount. Visits require booking and acceptable identification. Families should confirm the current arrangements for Edinburgh Road before travelling, rather than treating historic descriptions of Perth as a guide to today's facilities.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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