Alternative female prisons to be built in Maryhill and Dundee

The Scottish Government has announced plans to build its first alternative female prison in Maryhill and Dundee as part of efforts to reduce reoffending.Cabinet secretary for justice Michael Matheson said the two Community Custody Units (CCU), managing lower-risk female prisoners closer to local services and support, would be located on the site of the former Maryhill Health Centre and at a site still to be confirmed in Dundee.The Maryhill CCU will provide facilities for around 20 women and is due to be open by the end of 2020.The locations were identified following careful consideration of a variety of sites and in consultation with the relevant local authorities.These new community based units will provide facilities for around 20 women. The women who will serve their custodial sentence in the CCU will be appropriately assessed as suitable for serving out this part of their sentence closer to their community and with greater community access.