HMP Barlinnie is Scotland's largest jail, housing over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls. This series explores the lives of current prisoners and the staff trying to support them as inmates deal with drug-taking, violence and surviving prison life. We also follow prisoners being released back to their families, friends and communities, seeing their challenges and examining the reasons why so many will end up heading back behind bars.\n\nIn this episode, after overdosing, drug user JP fights for his life in hospital, Norrie threatens suicide while coming to terms with his childhood, and one of Scotland's most violent inmates turns to religion to try and turn his life around.
Source: BBC 2
Series 2: Episode 1
HMP Barlinnie is Scotland's largest jail, housing over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls. This series explores the lives of current prisoners and the staff trying t ...
09-04-2026
BBC 2
Series 1: 3. Throw Away The Keys?
One of the main aims in prison today is the rehabilitation of prisoners. In Barlinnie, many prisoners are locked up for 23 hours a day - one way out is to get a job. Prison jobs ...
15-12-2024
BBC 2
Series 1: 2. Escape
Due to severe overcrowding, the services in Barlinnie are stretched to the limit. Across Scotland, 2,500 referrals are made per year for drug and alcohol treatment. HMP Barlinni ...
08-12-2024
BBC 2
Series 1: 1. Us And Them
After 142 years, HMP Barlinnie is closing its doors. The prison is Scotland’s largest jail and houses over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls. The most infamou ...
01-12-2024
BBC 2
Series 1: 1. Us And Them
After 142 years, HMP Barlinnie is closing its doors. The prison is Scotland’s largest jail and houses over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls. The most infamou ...
01-12-2024
BBC 2
Series 1: 2. Escape
Due to severe overcrowding, the services in Barlinnie are stretched to the limit. Across Scotland, 2,500 referrals are made per year for drug and alcohol treatment. HMP Barlinni ...
08-12-2024
BBC 2
Series 1: 3. Throw Away The Keys?
One of the main aims in prison today is the rehabilitation of prisoners. In Barlinnie, many prisoners are locked up for 23 hours a day - one way out is to get a job. Prison jobs ...
15-12-2024
BBC 2
Series 2: Episode 1
HMP Barlinnie is Scotland's largest jail, housing over 1,400 inmates in five gigantic Victorian halls. This series explores the lives of current prisoners and the staff trying t ...
09-04-2026
BBC 2