Prison bosses are investigating a series of shocking claims about the conditions at the north-east’s £150million “superjail”.
A former prisoner has come forward with several complaints about her time at HMP Grampian – ranging from being taken from hospital with hypothermia when the heating failed to the plumbing being infested with maggots.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, also claimed the prison was being run by the inmates who have stepped in to assist the inexperienced staff.
The startling revelations were made in a letter to the Press and Journal, and last night the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) confirmed they would be investigating the matter.
In her letter, the woman said: “I was unfortunately jailed for just over a year. I would like to make the public aware of what actually has been going on inside.
“The whole jail was extremely freezing cold and I actually was taken to hospital with hypothermia,” she wrote. “I then learned the heating had broke and even all the staff would be wearing thick jumpers and jackets.”
Last month the Press and Journal revealed SPS is currently negotiating with contractors to replace a failing bio-mass boiler at the South Road prison in Peterhead.
The woman also claimed she was subjected to “disgusting” strip searches after family visits, and that she believes she was held in the facility longer than expected because staff are
unsure how to process releases.
The letter includes allegations that sinks are “riddled with maggots” and that some staff arrived at work drunk or hungover.
“How can people like this be taking care of prisoners?” she added.
“The whole jail is a complete disaster. I believe it is the prisoners that run the jail for the staff. I even had to once assist staff using the computers.”
Last night a spokeswoman for SPS said: “These claims have now been brought to our attention and we have not received any complaints in relation to the claims made.
“We treat all complaints very seriously and will investigate fully. Anyone who is aware of any shortcomings or wrong doings should bring this to our attention.”
The spokeswoman added that the SPS would not comment on individual accusations until a thorough investigation is carried out.
But local politicians last night insisted that the public “deserve answers” in light of the fresh concerns raised about the jail.
The Liberal Democrat’s justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: “If conditions at HMP Grampian are as described, then urgent action needs to be taken.
“It is appalling that a prisoner is taken to hospital with suspected hypothermia. I am aware that the heating system is being replaced – in a new prison – but even so this should not be happening.
“The letter writer has also raised many serious questions about staffing which deserve answers. It is not good enough to have a modern prison described as very poorly run with poor conditions.”
Mrs McInnes said she will be demanding answers from prison chiefs.
Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald, who has previously raised concerns about the young offenders unit at HMP Grampian, said: “I think it’s fair to say that this isn’t the first evidence there has been of problems in the new prison.
“While we can’t judge whether allegations of this nature are true until we check it out, the very fact they have been brought forward should alert the management at the prison service that there are some very unhappy people at HMP Grampian.”
But Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson called for patience while an inquiries are made.
The SNP member said: “I met with the new governor recently and I have every confidence in the staff and management at HMP Grampian to do their jobs in a professional manner.
“Accusations from prisoners will arise from time-to-time and it’s right that these be investigated, as I’m sure they will in this case.”