Exclusive:Record number of drones carrying drugs and weapons into Scotland's prisons
The increase in cases comes after a record high number of drone detections were recorded last year
A record high number of drones carrying drugs and weapons have been recorded outside Scotland’s prisons in the past year.
New data shows there were 72 recorded drone sightings across Scotland’s prison estate in 2025/26, up from a previous record high of 69 in 2024/25.
It is also a significant increase from the seven sightings recorded in 2021/22.
The Scottish Prison Service said these drones are attempting to carry a range of contraband goods into prisons, including mobile phones, SIM cards, drugs and weapons.
Stephen Kerr MSP of the Scottish Conservatives said organised crime gangs are now using “sophisticated airborne smuggling networks” to get banned items to their fellow gangsters behind bars.
He said: “These record-breaking figures expose a shocking security crisis in Scottish prisons.
“Our prison walls have been entirely bypassed by sophisticated airborne smuggling networks.
“Organised crime gangs have weaponised drone technology to smuggle weapons, drugs and phones to their fellow gangsters behind bars.
“Worse still, this contagion appears to be spreading. HMP Kilmarnock, HMP Polmont and HMP Stirling have had their first drone detection ever within the past year.
“Hard working prison officers are being left to fight a 21st century battle against organised crime with inadequate resources.
“We need immediate, robust investment in advanced counter-drone defences and signal-jamming equipment to reclaim control of our prisons and smash these supply lines.”
Over half of the drone detections in the past year happened at HMP Barlinnie. Scotland’s largest prison recorded 38, up from 11 the previous year.
There were a further seven drones detected at HMP Kilmarnock, despite the prison having no previous drone detections.
A further six were recorded at both HMP Edinburgh and HMP Glenochil, along with five at HMP Shotts, four at HMP Inverness, and two at HMP Addiewell.
HMP Low Moss, HMP Perth, HMP Polmont and HMP Stirling all recorded one drone detection each.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Prison Service said: “Any attempt to bring illicit substances into our establishments, including by a drone, poses a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of those in our care.
“Our staff work hard to keep our establishments safe and secure, using all technological and intelligence tools available to prevent this wherever possible.
“We continue to work with Police Scotland, and other partners, to take action against those who attempt to breach our security.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government are fully aware of the negative impact of drones being used to attempt to introduce illicit items into our prison estate.
“We continue to support the prison service’s hard work to adapt its security measures to prevent, detect and deter the introduction of contraband.
“In addition to existing interventions including advanced scanners and detection technology, tactical search, grilles on windows at some establishments and drug detection dogs, the prison service uses a range of technology and intelligence to stop illegal substances reaching our prisons.
“It is also working to identify further detection measures.
“Aviation and airspace are reserved matters, which is why the Scottish Government has asked that the UK Government extend their no-fly zone regulations, which were applied to prisons in England and Wales, to prisons in Scotland.”
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