This is what inmates at some of Scotland’s prisons will be eating at Christmas
Inmates in Scotland’s prisons will be treated to a variety of three-course lunches on Christmas - the Scotsman can reveal.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) published the menus of four of its prisons, including HMP Edinburgh, HMP Barlinnie and HMP Grampian, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request lodged by the paper.
The cost of each meal is thought to be around £2.47 per prisoner, and £2.75 per young offender, according to the SPS, who said the figures were covered by each prison’s annual food budget.
HMP Edinburgh
For a starter, inmates at Saughton Prison will receive a bowl of homemade cream of tomato soup and a crusty roll, and choose between chicken breast or spiced cauliflower for their main.
According to the menu, the chicken breast will be served with a mushroom sauce and “kilted sausage”, while the cauliflower will be served in puff pastry with a chickpea and spinach dahl.
Both main course options will come with creamed and roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts & carrots.
For dessert, each inmate will be given an individual Scotch trifle.
HMP Barlinnie
Prisoners at HMP Barlinnie, in Glasgow, will be given a feast of traditional roast turkey, with two pigs-in-blankets, sweet cranberry gravy, and roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and julienne carrots.
The vegetarian option on offer is a nut roast slice, with roast or mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and julienne carrots,
For dessert, each inmate will be given a Christmas pudding with a creamy rum sauce.
HMP Castle Huntly
Inmates at HMP Castle Huntly will enjoy a similar Christmas dinner to those at HMP Edinburgh - with a chicken breast in creamy mushroom sauce on the menu, although beef and onion pie is also an option.
Vegetarians, however, will be given a creamy vegetable pie, and sides will include Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots and gravy.
For dessert, inmates can expect a Christmas pudding and a fresh fruit option.
HMP Grampian
Further North, in HMP and YOI Grampian, inmates will receive a choice of roast turkey and trimmings or a slice of vegetable Wellington with boiled or roast potatoes.
Sprouts, carrots and gravy are also promised.
To finish, prisoners will enjoy a chocolate fudge cake or cream and fruit.