This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-33221338

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
New women's prison to be built near Stirling New women's prison to be built near Stirling
(35 minutes later)
A new women's prison, catering for just 80 offenders, is to be built to replace Scotland's only female jail at Cornton Vale near Stirling.A new women's prison, catering for just 80 offenders, is to be built to replace Scotland's only female jail at Cornton Vale near Stirling.
The announcement, by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, comes five months after he blocked previous plans for a new 300-inmate jail in Inverclyde. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson blocked previous plans for a 300-inmate jail in Inverclyde five months ago.
The prison will house the most serious offenders, while there will be five regional units, each for 20 women. The prison at Cornton Vale will house the most serious offenders, with another five regional units, each for 20 women.
They will offer help over drugs, alcohol and domestic abuse.They will offer help over drugs, alcohol and domestic abuse.
Cornton Vale, which was built in 1975, has had a notorious history, being nicknamed "the vale of death" after 11 prisoners killed themselves there between 1995 and 2002.Cornton Vale, which was built in 1975, has had a notorious history, being nicknamed "the vale of death" after 11 prisoners killed themselves there between 1995 and 2002.
Despite attempts to improve conditions, ministers decided it would close after Dame Elish's 2012 report said it was "not fit for purpose". Despite attempts to improve conditions, ministers decided it would close after Dame Elish Angiolini's 2012 report said it was "not fit for purpose".
It can hold 307 women, but has frequently accommodated many more.It can hold 307 women, but has frequently accommodated many more.
The previous justice secretary Kenny MacAskill wanted to build a new jail in Inverclyde, but Mr Matheson dropped the plan, saying Scotland needed a new, radical approach for female offenders.The previous justice secretary Kenny MacAskill wanted to build a new jail in Inverclyde, but Mr Matheson dropped the plan, saying Scotland needed a new, radical approach for female offenders.