AN ALTERNATIVE female prison is to be built in Maryhill.

The Scottish Government has announced the plans as part of their efforts to reduce reoffending.

It will be one of two Community Custody Units (CCU) to be opened in Scotland, with the Maryhill site managing "lower-risk female prisoners" who will stay in the venue. 

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The CCU will be based on the site of the former Maryhill Health Centre and will provide facilities for around 20 women and is due to be open by the end of 2020.

Dundee will also accommodate one of the units. 

The announcement was made this afternoon by Cabinet secretary for Justice Michael Matheson who argued that short prison sentences should only be given out when there are no other options available.

He told the Scottish Parliament that evidence shows more than half of those released from prison after 12 months or less are reconvicted within a year, compared to a third of those who had served a community sentence.

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He said: "A just, equitable and inclusive society is one that is supported by a progressive evidence-based justice system; a system which works with communities to reduce – and ultimately prevent – further offending. 

"A system which holds individuals to account for their offending, but ultimately supports them to make positive contributions to our communities.

“Over the past decade this Government has taken steps to end our reliance on custody and move towards effective community sentences that enhance public safety and promote rehabilitation, and which evidence shows are more effective at reducing reoffending and thus reducing the risk of further victims.”

Along with the two new units, the Scottish Parliament also plans to give more powers to courts to use electronic tags in community sentences.

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The Government argues that the positive benefits of tagging include helping women in domestic violence cases and allowing people with mental health problems and physical issues to continue to be treated within the community.

Mr Matheson said: “Electronic Monitoring is already an important tool in the delivery of justice.

"It carries a punitive element and offers a range of options to improve public protection, while allowing an individual to maintain their employment and family links. 

"When used to enforce curfew conditions, it can provide stability to those whose offending is part and parcel of a chaotic lifestyle.”