Slopping out and overcrowding in C Hall were branded a disgrace

An inspection by Dr Andrew McLellan in June revealed that conditions in C Hall, where slopping out still exists, are placing a strain on the jail.

Progress has been made in a number of other areas, the report said.

But there has been an increase in violence between inmates, particularly among remand and short term groups.

Affected by overcrowding

In his report, Dr McLellan said Perth Prison, like a growing number of other establishments, has a significant overcrowding problem.

He drew attention to progress in areas such as provision of programmes for prisoners, sentence management, the reception area and arrangements for visits.

However, he said conditions in C Hall were still particularly bad.

Dr McLellan said: "Perth has now joined the growing number of prisons where every aspect of prison life and prison management is affected by overcrowding.

"In Perth the worst overcrowding is in C Hall, where the number of prisoners can approach 50% above the number the hall should hold.

Dr Andrew McLellan said overcrowding was a problem

"While the prison does try to minimise the disadvantages to prisoners that overcrowding brings, conditions in C Hall are bad."

He said that the continued existence of slopping out, where inmates use a pot in their cell as a toilet, was bad - but when combined with cell sharing it is a "disgrace".

Dr McLellan said a new building programme is under way for the whole prison, but it means that it may still be some time before slopping out is ended.

The chief inspector also criticised limited opportunities for prison work and the poor quality of food.

There had been no escapes since the last inspection, he said.

However, prisoner on prisoner violence had increased.