Update on Barlinnie prison's potential listed status

The Victorian prison, which is set to be out of commission by 2028, could become A-listed, which would support campaigns to turn it into a museum.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) began a consultation in December last year, which was due to end last month.

The deadline, however, has now been extended to May 31.

(Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) This is to allow the Scottish Prison Service to fully consider the extent of the listing and accurately comment on all aspects that are material to the HES decision-making process.

It was revealed after Paul Sweeney MSP asked the Scottish Government for an update on the process.

In her response, Angela Constance, Justice Secretary, confirmed she asked Teresa Medhurst, chief executive of SPS.

The Labour representative has been vocal in his support for the East End jail to become a museum after it's been decommissioned.

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Paul Sweeney (Image: Image: Newsquest) He said: "Given that it is so iconic and one of Britain's most famous and notorious prisons, it shouldn’t just be demolished.

"It should be preserved.

"We've seen the success of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin and Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast and there's now the successful Peterhead Prison Museum in the north east of Scotland.

"There is certainly an appetite in Glasgow."

Michael Stoney at Barlinnie (Image: Newsquest) Last month, Michael Stoney, governor of Bar-L, spoke exclusively to the Glasgow Times about the possibility of the Barlinnie museum.

He said: "It would be nice but I have no control over the decisions of what happens after the disposal of the site.

"It would be great if we had something like that because it has been described as Scotland's Alcatraz and I think the people in Glasgow would love to see some reference to that. I would like it."

The Riddrie prison's replacement, HMP Glasgow, is currently under construction at the old Provan Gas Works site.

It will hold up to 1,400 men and focus on their rehabilitation as well as punishment.