Secure units are one step away from prison

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson cut the first turf at St Phillip's, a former list-D school in Airdrie.

Eighteen of the 38 new secure places at the school should be available by early 2006.

Last year, the executive pledged to increase the total number of secure places from 96 to 125 by 2007.

Such facilities are for youngsters guilty of serious offences and are the final stage before the prison system.

Offenders and the most troublesome children in secure units are locked up, but education and programmes are tailored to improve their behaviour and welfare.

SECURE UNITS BY 2007 18 mixed at St Phillip's, Airdrie 12 girls only at Good Shepherd, Bishopton 18 boys only at Kibble, Paisley 12 mixed at Kerelaw, Stevenston 18 mixed at Rossie 31 mixed at St Mary's, Bishopbriggs 12 mixed, Edinburgh units Four mixed, The Elms, Dundee

St Philip's, a former list-D school, has no secure places at the moment but caters for 38 residential and 25 day pupils.

It is one of five schools undergoing change as part of reforms.

Ms Jamieson said: "Many of the young people here have led very troubled lives, often without the level of support and guidance that most young people take for granted.

"We are modernising the secure estate to deal effectively with young people who offend, as well as those who need to be in secure accommodation for their own protection."

Plans to create new or refurbished places in Airdrie, Ayrshire, Bishopton, Paisley and the north east were outlined after talks with Children's Panel members and social work leaders.

The �45m scheme - unveiled in March last year - aims to boost the range of secure accommodation, including dedicated places for females and help for young people with mental health problems.