HMP Edinburgh has introduced a dementia-friendly meeting space called The Basement, developed with Meeting Centres Scotland, to support ageing inmates experiencing frailty, isolation or cognitive decline. The relaxed area offers home comforts, activities and carer support to encourage social contact and reduce time spent confined to cells. With 934 inmates at Edinburgh and 65 aged 65 or over, the service addresses growing medical and logistical pressures and may be rolled out to other prisons.
Care Homes With Bars: HMP Edinburgh’s 'The Basement' Helps Ageing Inmates
HMP Edinburgh has carers who work round the clock to help elderly and infirm inmates [BBC]
At HMP Edinburgh, one of Scotland's largest prisons, staff have created a dementia-friendly social space the inmates call "The Basement" to better support older prisoners living with frailty, isolation or cognitive decline.
A Dementia-Friendly Space Inside Prison Walls
The Basement was developed in partnership with Meeting Centres Scotland, a charity that supports people living with dementia. The area is deliberately more relaxed than typical prison wings and includes home comforts such as sofas, music, games and regular visits from external groups. Carers employed by the prison are also present during sessions.
Kerry McMenemy said the special area for older inmates and those with dementia helps to socialise the men [BBC]
We take the guys down there and try to make it more like care-home vibes,
said Kerry McMenemy, a first-line manager with the Scottish Prison Service.
Staff say the space gives older prisoners, including some showing signs of dementia, chances to socialise and take part in activities that are difficult to provide through standard prison routines. Fellow inmates often spot early symptoms of dementia, and some men arrive at HMP Edinburgh already diagnosed.
Why The Change Matters
HMP Edinburgh is currently holding 934 inmates, more than 60 above its design capacity. Of those, 65 are aged 65 or over. An ageing prison population creates practical and clinical pressures: more hospital transfers, a need for accessible cells, and increased demand for personal care such as help with washing and dressing.
HMP Edinburgh governor Scott Watson said some elderly prisoners could be better managed in the community [BBC]
We have a large number of elderly and infirm prisoners which means we have an increased number who need to go to hospital for acute medical reasons,
said governor Scott Watson, noting the extra planning required to place prisoners in appropriate cells.
Watson added that while dangerous offenders must remain in custody, some low-risk elderly or infirm prisoners might be better and more safely managed in the community or in less secure, more suitable settings.
Data And Costs
- 24 prisoners at HMP Edinburgh are currently supported by carers due to age-related frailty.
- 65 inmates at HMP Edinburgh are aged 65 or over.
- Social care costs across the Scottish Prison Service rose from £2,877,000 in 2024/25 to £2,950,000 in 2025/26.
- Total people in custody across Scotland: 8,535, with 934 at HMP Edinburgh.
- The average cost per prisoner place for 2025/26 is £55,091.
Looking Ahead
Staff at HMP Edinburgh describe early feedback as positive and hope the Basement model can be replicated in other Scottish prisons. The initiative highlights wider policy questions about how to balance public protection with humane, appropriate care for an ageing prisoner population.
By creating space for social contact, activity and tailored support, the prison aims to reduce isolation and the risk that cognitive decline will worsen, while preserving safety and security within the estate.
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