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Water supply issues at HMP Barlinnie continue for a seventh day
Overview
Water supply and heating problems continue at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow for a seventh day, affecting most areas of Scotland's largest prison. While the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish government state that water supply, heating, and hot water have largely been restored, family members and prisoners report ongoing issues such as a lack of warm water and inability to flush cell toilets. Investigative and remedial work remain ongoing.
Key points
- Water supply problems at HMP Barlinnie began last Thursday and have entered a seventh day.
- Most areas of the prison, including facilities for staff, visitors, and inmates, have been affected by the disruption.
- Friends and family members reported issues such as days without hot water and inability to flush cell toilets.
- Water tankers are still being used to refill the prison tanks while investigative and repair work continues.
- The Scottish Prison Service and Scottish government state that water, heating, and hot water have been restored despite some persisting disruption.
- A replacement facility for the 143-year-old prison is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2028 at a cost of nearly £1bn.