As I drew closer to the Lilias Centre, the first thing that caught my eye was the charming gate at the entryway, adorned with leafy patterns.
The windows had no bars, no barbed wire, and no tall walls.
This didn't seem or appear like any correctional facility I had been to previously.
Inside, it felt cozy and appeared inviting with its soft pastel pinks.
The welcoming atmosphere was such that I didn't even realize there were body scanners present.
The Lilias Centre, located in the Maryhill district of Glasgow, is a component of an extensive multi-million pound initiative aimed at reducing recidivism via rehabilitation programs.
It is one of two community custody units – along with its sister unit, Bella in Dundee – which have been created in Scotland.
Female inmates receive more privileges compared to conventional prisons, and these facilities equip them with skills necessary for reintegrating into society post-sentence.
Kristie Clelland, with three decades of experience in the prison system, understands that certain individuals view Lilias as an overly lenient solution.
She states unequivocally that the amenities provided here are of high quality.
One might argue that services ought to be of high quality and equitable for all individuals.
The role of our work in the prison system is not about punishing individuals; instead, their penalty is reflected in the deprivation of their freedom.
Should we manage to create settings where individuals perceive themselves as being backed up and prepared to return to work or reintegrate into society as improved members or full-fledged citizens… I consider this development highly positive.
So, is this method proving effective?
"Time will reveal all," Kristie states.
Should we manage to instill a sense of optimism in the women who leave here, make them feel accomplished perhaps by acquiring a new skill or becoming more self-assured, this would be considered success for many individuals.
Rona Mackenzie is incarcerated for life due to conviction for murder.
The individual, who is 62 years old, has been incarcerated for over 15 years and will be eligible for parole consideration sometime this year.
She moved to Lilias just before Christmas in 2023.
"Spending fifteen years in confinement was tough," she remarks.
And then you go to Lilias, and it's wonderful.
She mentions that using the unit feels similar to managing your own home.
She states, 'You prepare your own meals, you consume what you desire, you purchase whatever you wish.'
You spend time with an officer as you browse and select your meals, which is wonderful.
You handle your own laundry.
Rona believes you can't choose your neighbors, but she has been fortunate and manages to get along well with everybody.
She remarks that they see her as the mother hen.
Nevertheless, Rona — who received a life sentence for killing a woman she hit with her vehicle — doesn’t underestimate the gravity of her offense.
She expresses daily regret over what occurred that day.
I spent many years struggling deeply with self-punishment daily while incarcerated.
In just 13 seconds, I ended someone's life, leaving behind three children without their mom.
She mentions that joining a church fellowship has been highly beneficial for her.
She states, 'I have become open and truthful.'
I have discussed my offense. It cannot be altered. Though I desire otherwise, I lack the power to do so.
Lilias is assisting Rona with getting ready to return to regular community life.
She participates in a work program twice weekly at a food bank, providing her with insight into how dramatically life has altered during her time behind bars.
I was rather surprised during my initial bus trip when everyone seemed to be preoccupied with their smartphones.
The buses were crowded, and the streets were bustling — yet, isn’t that just how life goes?
She states that this experience has boosted her confidence in tackling life beyond the prison walls.
"I haven't done things like that in years," she remarks.
"Everything is just different."
She anticipates her release with eagerness but confesses to feeling afraid about what lies ahead.
"I wouldn’t be honest if I said I wasn’t afraid, but I believe God will find a path for me," she states.
Amy McMullen is currently serving a 24-month term for assault and has recently been transferred to Lilias jail after previously being held at Stirling and Polmont prisons.
The individual who is 26 years old shared with me, "I have been here for roughly four weeks now."
This jail feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the ones I've been in before.
I have numerous tasks ahead of me and superior methods to utilize my time.
Amy mentions that Lilias removes "the greyness and the dullness" and assists in addressing prisoners' belief that they do not merit positive experiences.
We criticize ourselves excessively, and I believe this is another aspect of our issue; we feel unworthy of a happy life.
Situation intensifies and actions taken might not be entirely appropriate.
I've observed how other girls have truly worked hard and discovered themselves, thinking: 'Why can’t that be my story too?'
She mentions that Lilias is assisting her with preparing for the future. She prepares her meals herself and is adapting to occupying her time without prison officers dictating her activities.
Amy has been acquiring DJ skills, attending a rehabilitation program where each week brings new activities, and managing to reunite with her family.
I won't return to jail.
She mentions that the visits with Lilias feel more laid-back and cozy in comparison to the "stern atmosphere" of prison.
"She mentions that it’s relaxed here. You could enjoy a cup of tea," she adds.
Talking freely comes more naturally within a setting such as this one when you're among relatives.
A primary objective of Lillias is to ensure that once residents depart from the facility, they do not end up back in prison.
"I can confidently assert that I have absolutely no chance of returning to prison," states Amy.
It has reignited a passion for life within me. I am eager to embrace my life, and I won’t be returning—certainly not.
Officials from the UK’s Ministry of Justice plan to visitScotland in the upcoming months to explore if English prisons can gain insights from the support systems for female inmates in Scottish facilities.
This will involve examining units such as Lillias to determine if this rehabilitation approach can aid in reducing recidivism.
- The initial release of numerous inmates gets underway.
- What accounts for the large number of individuals incarcerated in Scottish prisons?
- The £85 million prison featuring windows without bars
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