Prisoners at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow are still without running water into a third day, with worried families reporting that inmates cannot flush toilets, shower, or access heating. The supply problem, which began on Thursday, was initially expected to be fixed on Friday but has continued through Saturday afternoon.
Water loss in A and E halls
The water loss affected the "A" and "E" halls at the prison. Relatives contacted the Daily Record to complain after inmates — many of them untried and on remand — were unable to wash, flush toilets, or take vital medication. Some family members claimed their loved ones were left without water for 24 hours or longer.
One female relative, who asked not to be named, told the Record: "At 9.10pm the A hall still had no proper running water. The hot tap was dribbling cold water and the cold water tap was doing nothing. I am not sure about other halls."
Families describe conditions
The same relative added: "Inmates were left from 5pm on Thursday, October 7 until 8am on Friday, October 9 with no running water. They were not even given bottled water during this period. At 8am on Friday they were given a bottle of sparkling water each, and then around 2/2.30pm they were given a bottle of normal water. There is still no water today but they have been given bottles of water. I am waiting to find out if the water is properly back on and if inmates have been taken for a shower."
Another family member said: "The Barlinnie water still hasn't been restored. I've just had a conversation with my son and it's still off. He can't flush the toilet, shower, he has no heating - everything is not working. This was at 2.50pm on Saturday - still off. Yes, they might be prisoners and done wrong, but this is unacceptable."
Official response and background
A Scottish Water spokesperson told BBC Scotland: "We can confirm there are no issues affecting the Scottish Water network in the area. The matter relates to an internal issue within HMP Barlinnie and we are supporting the Scottish Prison Service as it works to resolve it."
The Scottish Prison Service said yesterday that the water supply issue was proving to be "more difficult to resolve" and that there was likely to be continued reduced water levels throughout the weekend at Barlinnie. The spokesperson added: "A water supply issue affecting some people in our care at HMP Barlinnie. Due to the age of the building, it takes time for levels to return to normal and Scottish Water are also assisting in this. Staff will continue to support individuals and manage this with the available water supply and through bottled water."
On Saturday afternoon, the Scottish Prison Service spokesperson added: "We are continuing to work with Scottish Water to resolve the issues being experienced in HMP Barlinnie." HMP Barlinnie opened in 1882, and its replacement facility, HMP Glasgow, is scheduled to open in 2028 in the nearby Germiston area of the city.
