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Forty percent of inmates at a Scottish prison told inspectors they had been abuse, threatened, bullied or assaulted by staff.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) visited HMP Addiewell in West Lothian in November last year, with the subsequent report raising significant concerns about the safety and security of the facility.

During the visit, inspectors found 40% of prisoners said they had been subjected to abuse, threatening behaviour, bullying or assault by staff, with 60% claiming they had witnessed this behaviour towards other prisoners.

The full inspection report said staff, on occasion, spoke to prisoners in an unprofessional way and found relationships between the workforce and inmates to be poor due to a lack of experienced staff and shortages.

Just 29% of prisoners said they felt safe, with many not receiving their full 60-minute entitlement of fresh air.

Poor levels of cleanliness were found in residential blocks at the prison, which opened in 2008.

Access to healthcare at the prison was also rated as poor, with patient outcomes being compromised as a result of long waiting times.

HMP Addiewell is managed by Sodexo on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Inspectors have recommended both parties review the contract for the prison to ensure it does not "inadvertently inhibit the safe and effective management of prisoners" and "drives improved purposeful activity participation levels".

Prison 'in a conundrum'

HMIPS also emphasised areas of good practice, including the range of learning opportunities offered to prisoners and the use of digital technology.

But inspectors concluded the site "remains a frustrating conundrum".

They continued: "It is ahead of its SPS counterparts in embracing the potential of digital technology and shows commendable drive and commitment to embed new approaches such as the Early Days Centre and the use of 'Insider' peer mentors, but it struggles to provide the basics of a safe, controlled environment.

"Until the enduring recruitment and retention issues are fully resolved, and the prison can secure and retain sufficient experienced staff in all residential areas, there will continue to be an unacceptable risk to the safety of those in their care and a risk of continuing periods of instability."

An HMP Addiewell spokesperson said the prison accepted full responsibility for the areas that must be improved.

"We have made significant financial investment into the prison, and whilst some subsequent positive developments have been reflected in the report, this investment has not, as yet, translated into sustained results in some key areas, such as safety," they added.

Recruitment also continues to be a priority, they said.

A 'challenging report'

An SPS spokesperson said: "This is a challenging report for Sodexo and the Scottish Prison Service. We accept it in its entirety, along with all the recommendations within.

"It is, of course, completely unacceptable that anyone in custody in Scotland, including a privately-run prison, should feel unsafe.

"It is reassuring to hear Sodexo take full responsibility for this, and we will robustly monitor its commitment to taking the actions necessary to deliver the improvements needed.

"We have a responsibility to all people in prison custody in Scotland and, as this report makes clear, standards at HMP Addiewell have fallen short of the level people have a right to expect."