Peterhead prison's facilities have been criticised

Aberdeenshire councillors have been pressing for her to confirm the start date for a prison investment programme.

The jail was saved from closure in 2002 after a campaign was mounted locally.

The Scottish Executive plans to upgrade facilities across the prison system but there is concern that no work has yet been scheduled for Peterhead.

'Clear commitment'

A report in May by Scotland's chief inspector of prisons, Andrew McLellan, said conditions for some prisoners were "as bad as ever".

His report criticised slopping out, the sharing of very small cells and a lack of support for long-term sex offenders when they are ready to be freed.

Speaking after a meeting with councillors on Tuesday, Ms Jamieson gave reassurances over the future of the prison but ducked the issue of an upgrade.

She said she was aware of the problems there, such as the ageing buildings and the continuing slopping out, but added that any work had to be considered as part of the wider prison review.

The constant drip of rumour about the prison's future continues Cllr Anne Robertson

Ms Jamieson added: "I've tried to hear the staff point of view and to give them a reassurance that, for the foreseeable future, we certainly want to use their skills and expertise.

"However I have to consider this in the context of the estates review."

Aberdeenshire councillor Anne Robertson said: "In May, we were delighted to hear that the executive had committed itself to tackling issues of upgrading at Peterhead and across the whole prison system, through comprehensive investment in the prison estate and wider reforms of the criminal justice system.

"But the constant drip of rumour about the prison's future continues and this can eventually erode confidence in the excellent work it does."