The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) welcomes HMP Kilmarnock into the public prison estate, after being operated by Serco on behalf of Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd (KPSL) for the past 25 years.
The prison becomes the first privately-run establishment in Scotland to be taken into the public sector following the expiry of the contract with KPSL on 17 March 2024.
It is widely recognised as being a safe, secure and well managed prison, with strong community links and areas of good practice which the SPS intend to build upon.
These relationships are key to efforts to reduce the risk of reoffending, and support our communities, our justice partners, and Scotland as a whole.
Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, said: “HMP Kilmarnock is a well-run establishment, with long-standing links to its local community, and a determination to deliver the best possible outcomes for those in its care.
“The strong relationships underpinning the prison are a credit to the senior leadership team and staff who work there, and have undoubtedly contributed to its overall success.
“The transition of HMP Kilmarnock has been a unique and momentous responsibility for all involved, and I am grateful to those in SPS, Serco, and KPSL who have worked tremendously hard to do so successfully.”
Mark Whittaker, Serco Justice Business Managing Director, said: “Serco is extraordinarily proud of our 25-year history of managing Killie, as it has always been affectionately known.
“Not only has Killie provided a safe, decent environment for the prisoners who have spent time there, but it has also been the most cost-effective prison in the Scottish estate and made a massive impact on the lives of the prisoners in our care.
“We are immensely proud of our track record, and we hand over the prison to the SPS in an excellent state.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to all our employees who work at Killie; we are particularly grateful for everything they do day in, day out seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. They are an extraordinary team of people who have done a challenging and demanding job with professionalism and compassion. We are sad to see them leave the company and wish everyone all the best for the future.”
“I also want to thank our partners who have worked with us over those years to provide a range of other services.”
