Barlinnie prisoners left without water for days amid repair issues

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 09:33 · Archive

Prisoners at Glasgow's Barlinnie jail spent nearly four days without running water from Thursday, October 8, before supply was partially restored, though further disruptions have since emerged.

Prisoners in A and E halls at Barlinnie jail were without running water from Thursday, October 8, onwards. They were unable to flush toilets, take medication or make tea. The Scottish Prison Service blamed a drop in water pressure caused by works by Scottish Water near the prison, though Scottish Water said the issue was internal to Barlinnie. Bottled water was provided to inmates as the crisis continued through the weekend.

The Scottish Prison Service announced on Sunday, October 12, that water supply had been resolved. A spokesperson said: 'Staff have worked tirelessly throughout the weekend and we are grateful to them and to those in our care for their understanding.' However, hours later families reported the water had been disrupted again. The prison service confirmed that 'further repair work has been identified' causing ongoing disruption, though water supply and heating were available.

Families have raised concerns about conditions persisting nearly a week after the initial failure. A group called Concerned Families of Prisoners at HMP Barlinnie reported that inmates were being forced to wash in cold water with inadequate heating. One account described a prisoner receiving only 1.5 litres of water daily and being unable to wash their hands or shower in warm water. The spokesperson for the families' group stated: 'How is this acceptable in a prison in Scotland in 2026?'

How it is being reported

• Glasgow Barlinnie prisoners at 'serious risk' over water supply issuesFamilies of prisoners at HMP Barlinnie claim the health of inmates is being put at risk by an ongoing water supply crisis, with concerns raised over hygiene and dignity in the Glasgow jailGlasgow Live · 14 Oct, 09:12
• 'We can't even wash our hands' - Barlinnie water crisis continues days after 'fix'Barlinnie prisoners reportedly face ongoing water and sanitation problems, with taps and toilets affected after an internal supply issue at the Glasgow jail.Glasgow Times · 13 Oct, 13:07
• Barlinnie water supply 'disrupted' again hours after Glasgow prisoners get it back"Further repair work has been identified".Glasgow Live · 13 Oct, 11:31
• Water supply fixed at Glasgow's Barlinnie as prisoners left for days without access“Staff have worked tirelessly throughout the weekend and we are grateful to them and to those in our care for their understanding.”Glasgow Live · 12 Oct, 11:02

In this story: Barlinnie · Glasgow · Scottish Prison Service · Scottish Water · HMP Glasgow

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