Cornton Vale Womens Prison: Address, Telephone Number, Visits

Cornton Vale Womens Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Scotland’s Female Facility

Located in the scenic outskirts of Stirling, Cornton Vale Womens Prison stands as Scotland’s primary facility for female offenders. Officially known as HMP/YOI Cornton Vale, this modern prison combines a focus on rehabilitation with the challenges of managing a diverse female population. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its pivotal role in Scotland’s justice system, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide offers a detailed exploration of Cornton Vale Womens Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, providing an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of Cornton Vale Womens Prison

Cornton Vale Womens Prison, officially HMP/YOI Cornton Vale, is a female prison and young offender institution located in Stirling, Scotland. Established in 1975, it was rebuilt in 2012 to modern standards, with a capacity of approximately 230 inmates. The facility houses adult women and young female offenders (16–21), including those on remand, serving short to life sentences, or classified as high-risk for offences like assault or drug-related crimes. It includes a mother and baby unit for up to 8 mothers and infants.

Managed by the Scottish Prison Service, Cornton Vale focuses on rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and mental health support, supported by modern facilities like classrooms and therapeutic spaces. Notable inmates have included Isla Bryson, a transgender offender whose 2023 placement sparked controversy. Recent inspections praise its progressive programmes but highlight challenges with mental health support and drug use, positioning Cornton Vale as a vital yet complex part of Scotland’s prison estate.

History of Cornton Vale Womens Prison

Cornton Vale Womens Prison opened in 1975, built on a greenfield site in Stirling to replace outdated female facilities in Scotland. Designed as a dedicated women’s prison, it aimed to provide a rehabilitation-focused environment for female offenders. The original facility faced criticism for poor conditions, leading to a £75 million rebuild completed in 2012, which introduced modern cells, a mother and baby unit, and enhanced educational facilities.

Key milestones include the establishment of the mother and baby unit in the 1990s and the introduction of trauma-informed care programmes in 2018. The prison gained attention in 2023 due to the controversial placement of transgender inmates, prompting policy reviews. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland report praised its rehabilitation efforts but noted issues with drug smuggling and mental health support gaps. Cornton Vale’s history reflects its evolution from a dated facility to a modern hub for female rehabilitation, tempered by ongoing challenges.

Cornton Vale Womens Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Cornton Vale Womens Prison is:

HMP/YOI Cornton Vale
Cornton Road
Stirling, FK9 5NU
United Kingdom

This address is verified via the Scottish Prison Service website. The prison is located in a semi-rural area, 2 miles west of Stirling city centre, accessible via the A9.

Cornton Vale Womens Prison Telephone Number

To contact Cornton Vale Womens Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1786 832591

Sourced from the Scottish Prison Service, this number connects to the main switchboard, available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For visitor bookings or specific queries, follow the prompts or request relevant extensions.

Cornton Vale Womens Prison Capacity

Cornton Vale Womens Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 230 inmates, according to Scottish Prison Service data. The facility includes single cells across several residential units, with a mother and baby unit for up to 8 mothers and infants. Its modern design supports accessibility, though space constraints can occur in high-demand units.

How to Get to Cornton Vale Womens Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Cornton Vale Womens Prison’s location near Stirling offers good connectivity to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and central Scotland.

By Car

From Stirling city centre, take the A9 west to Cornton Road (5–10 minutes). From Glasgow, follow the M80 and A9 north (45 minutes). From Edinburgh, take the M9 west, then the A9 (40 minutes). The prison is signposted off Cornton Road.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is adjacent to the visitor centre, with ample spaces even during peak hours.

By Train

The nearest station is Stirling Railway Station, 2 miles away (10-minute taxi or 15-minute bus ride). ScotRail operates services from Glasgow Queen Street (30 minutes), Edinburgh Waverley (40 minutes), and Perth (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Check schedules on the ScotRail website.

By Bus

From Stirling Bus Station, the Number 51 or 52 bus (First Bus) stops on Cornton Road, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 15 minutes, taking 10 minutes from the bus station. Plan your journey using the First Bus Scotland website.

How to Book a Visit to Cornton Vale Womens Prison

Visiting Cornton Vale Womens Prison requires advance booking and strict security compliance due to its female and young offender population. Follow these steps:

Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1786 832591 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
Online Booking: Use the Scottish Prison Service’s visitor booking portal. Register and submit your request up to 14 days in advance.
Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 20 minutes early for security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a family-friendly waiting area with a play space.

Confirmation is sent via email or phone. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours prior to avoid restrictions.

Cornton Vale Womens Prison Visiting Times

Visiting hours, as confirmed by the Scottish Prison Service, are:

Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
Legal Visits: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment).

Visits last approximately 1 hour, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is modern and family-friendly, with a play area and refreshments. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

Life at Cornton Vale Womens Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Cornton Vale Womens Prison is structured to balance rehabilitation with security, leveraging its modern facilities. Inmates live in single cells across residential units, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., hairdressing, catering), and mental health programmes. The mother and baby unit is a standout, supporting up to 8 mothers with parenting classes and bonding activities. Facilities include a gym, library, and outdoor areas, with 6–8 hours of daily out-of-cell time when staffing allows.

A 2023 inspection found that 65% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly Spice, and self-harm (over 200 incidents in 2024) remain challenges. Mental health support is a priority, but staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) limit delivery. Positive aspects include trauma-informed care and family contact programmes, especially for mothers. Inmates describe a supportive yet structured environment, with the mother and baby unit offering hope, though high-security measures can feel isolating for some.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornton Vale Womens Prison

Who is held at Cornton Vale Womens Prison?

Cornton Vale houses adult women and young female offenders (16–21), including those on remand or serving sentences for various offences.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Cornton Vale, use the Scottish Prison Service’s online payment system or send a postal order. Contact +44 1786 832591 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Cornton Vale Womens Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking. Request accommodations when booking to ensure a smooth visit.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and mental health support, including IT, hairdressing, and parenting classes, though availability varies.

How safe is Cornton Vale Womens Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 65% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and self-harm are concerns, but support programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we’re passionate about helping families stay connected with inmates, and Cornton Vale Womens Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these ties crucial. With a capacity of 230 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in its mother and baby unit alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Cornton Vale is a vital facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and accessible booking via +44 1786 832591 allow loved ones to offer support, which can be transformative for women in custody. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Cornton Road address or connect with someone at Cornton Vale Womens Prison, fostering hope and change. For more details, visit the Scottish Prison Service website.