Inspectors praised Perth Prison's refurbishment programme

It is also failing to meet the needs of the increasing number of remand prisoners, according to Chief Inspector Andrew McLellan.

However, his report said the prison was safer, with a fall in the number of serious violent incidents.

Dr McLellan also said that a major rebuilding programme was under way and was being well managed.

The inspection found that while slopping out had ended, some prisoners were living in very poor conditions in A Hall and E Hall.

Laundry shortages

Cells in these areas were condemned, with three prisoners often sharing a cell.

Some inmates also said they had to wash their underwear in sinks because of laundry shortages and a prisoner survey found the food at Perth to be among the worst in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

Dr McLellan's report stated: "Some cells have little furniture, and what furniture there is is often broken.

"Mattresses are old and thin and often do not look clean. Cells holding two prisoners are quite cramped.

"Those with three are extremely cramped."

Urgent refurbishment

He said some cells were in a "dreadful" condition, with graffiti on the walls and ceilings and areas where chunks of plaster had fallen off.

The report also found that work experience and vocational training opportunities for prisoners were generally good but these were hampered by a shortage of prison escort staff.

An SPS spokesman welcomed the report and said an urgent refurbishment programme was under way in E Hall.

He added: "Further, a review of basic hygiene is under way and will include improving access to showers and the purchase of more laundry bags and underwear."