A new report has revealed that failed asylum seekers held at Scotland's sole immigration removal centre enjoyed a comprehensive schedule of leisure activities, including spa days and football tournaments, while awaiting deportation.
A Packed Daily Schedule of Activities
The inspection of Dungavel House in Lanarkshire found detainees had access to a full nine-hour daily programme of events. The report, authored by Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor, highlighted the modern facilities available to the 150 individuals held at the former Duke of Hamilton hunting lodge.
Every new arrival is provided with a basic mobile phone and £5 credit. Staff use daily text messages to promote the wide array of activities on offer.
The available pastimes included:
- A dedicated spa day for female detainees.
- A five-a-side football tournament for men.
- Regular games nights, bingo, and card sessions.
- Access to a well-equipped gym and cinema screenings.
Modern Facilities and Positive Staff Relations
Inspectors noted that detainees could use a learning centre and a social hub, which housed a library, shop, barber salon, and computer suite. These areas were described as "modern, spacious and well-equipped."
The report praised the "purposeful, friendly and equitable" relationships between staff and those detained. It stated that all staff were proactive in encouraging participation, working hard to increase attendance rates for events.
Course reviews from detainees featured very positive comments regarding the support from tutors and the broad range of leisure activities provided.
Concerns Over Treatment of Women
While the women's unit at the centre, which is run by Mitie Care and Custody for the Home Office, received praise, the inspection identified significant shortcomings.
The report stated that women had limited access to female clothing, with most items being unisex. Nightwear was not available, leading women to sleep in tracksuits.
A "priority concern" was the requirement for women to be escorted everywhere, which severely restricted their free movement. The report concluded this led to "inequitable treatment in several areas, leading to poorer outcomes" for female detainees.
In response, centre leaders have appointed two new managers to oversee equality, diversity, and inclusion work, with a specific focus on improving the treatment of women.
