Throw Away the Keys?

One of the main aims in prison today is the rehabilitation of prisoners. In Barlinnie, many prisoners are locked up for 23 hours a day - one way out is to get a job. Prison jobs provide learnt skills and behaviours, but these jobs are not easy to come by. Prisoners can earn promotions as they become trusted in the workplaces.

Two prisoners, Robert and John, have their release dates in sight and are working towards life on the outside. Albanian drug dealer Robert is fighting deportation while desperately hoping to be returned to his son. Violent offender John searches for a new start to try to beat his alcohol addiction.

The programme includes an eye-opening interview with one of Scotland’s most notorious gangsters, Jimmy Boyle.