Main content

Us and Them

Episode 1 of 3

After 142 years, HMP Barlinnie is closing its doors. The prison is Scotland鈥檚 largest jail and houses over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls.

After 142 years, HMP Barlinnie is closing its doors. The prison is Scotland鈥檚 largest jail and houses over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls. The most infamous jail in Scotland, Barlinnie has built up a fearsome reputation for violence and drug-taking over its 140-year history. On the verge of a new super jail, this series explores the prison鈥檚 recent past, and how it has shaped the approach to modern jails and rehabilitation in Scotland. It shows the lives of current prisoners and staff, as well as delving into a dark history of hangings, riots and escapes that have shaped the prison for over a century.

HMP Barlinnie is at 140 per cent capacity, housing 1,400 inmates for a variety of crimes. It has a deeply contested legacy in Glasgow鈥檚 history. The 1980s saw a mass riot and hostage situation which forced the prison to change for good. While the violence in the prison has reduced drastically since then, there are still incidents to contend with as inmate Kieran deals with the aftermath of assaulting a prison officer and his cellmate.

10 months left to watch

58 minutes

Audio described

On TV

Sun 1 Dec 2024 22:00

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Inside Barlinnie

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Jamie Lee
Executive Producer Michelle Friel
Executive Producer Jules Kean

Broadcasts

Featured in...