BBC Scotland has commissioned Zinc Media’s Tern TV to make “powerful and immersive” four-part documentary series, Jailed: Women in Prison.
Set to air in early 2025, the series offers “unprecedented” access to two of Scotland’s female prisons: HMP & YOI Stirling, the country’s newest and largest facility for women, and HMP Grampian.
With exclusive access granted by the Scottish Prison Service, the observational series delves into life behind bars, following both staff and prisoners as they navigate the challenges of daily prison life. From first-time offenders to those trapped in cycles of reoffending, the series examines their crimes, uncovers their personal struggles, and sheds light on systemic and societal issues behind the crime statistics.
The documentary also highlights the critical role of prison staff and healthcare teams, who provide both mental health support and primary care under challenging circumstances.
Jailed: Women in Prison explores the “unique and often-overlooked challenges faced by incarcerated women” in “systems designed primarily for men.” The series offers an exploration of Scotland’s evolving approach to female imprisonment.
It is Executive Produced by David Marshall, Series Produced and Directed by Chris McMillan and Produced by Aneesha Hussain.
David Marshall, Executive Producer, Tern TV: “This series offers a rare, unfiltered look at life inside Scotland’s female prisons. With unprecedented access, viewers will witness powerful personal stories, the daily realities of imprisonment, and the efforts to support and rehabilitate women in custody. It’s a compelling exploration of a world few ever see.”
Steve Allen, Commissioning Executive, BBC Scotland said: “Jailed: Women in Prison will give viewers a rare insight in to the day-to-day realities of life within two of Scotland’s female prisons, offering an honest and thought-provoking account of the justice system in action from the perspectives of those working and living in it.”
Jailed: Women in Prison is a 4×30 series for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer and will be broadcast later this year.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
