It is fair to say that I have been somewhat critical of much of the practice. I have observed in Scottish Prison Service establishments. This is because I expect staff to behave appropriately and within the rules and when I see practice which is inappropriate or unlawful I am not scared of shining a light on it.

Today, however, I will not be critical because I’m keen to comment on a team of people who may often be overloaded – the chaplains.

I guess many of you will know that prisons have chaplains but possibly you don’t know the range of supports that they provide. It is so much more than just delivering religious services. In fact, that may well be the least time-demanding aspect of their role.

I feel the most important part of their job is the pastoral care they provide. Being in prison, even if correctly convicted, is so very tough and we need support. They’re almost like the perfect guidance teacher, unlike the guidance teacher I had at school.

I grew up in the central belt of Scotland and, while I enjoyed school and worked hard, the support provided by my guidance teacher was awful. I couldn’t trust them and they never made time for me but in here, the chaplains seem to have a limitless capacity for helping prisoners.

I did a wee straw poll in the exercise yard this morning and everyone I spoke to agreed that the chaplains were the best team in the prison. Words such as compassionate, kind, caring, genuine, professional and generous were all mentioned and the warmth with which the prisoners spoke was clear.

I am really disappointed, though, at how some prison officers speak to chaplains. I don’t know how they accept it or, indeed, why officers feel they can speak to chaplains like that.

So I want to say a huge thank you to every prison chaplain out there. You are deeply valued by prisoners and you are undoubtedly responsible for saving and mending countless lives.

While I am at it, I’d like to say to all guidance teachers – please contact your nearest prison chaplain and learn from them how to care for people.

NaN.