Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the Scottish Government to clarify the future of the Cornton Vale women’s prison following the announcement to scrap the planned super prison in Greenock.

The Scottish Conservative MSP raised the issue with Nicola Sturgeon during First Minister Questions last week and has now called on the Government to come clean on exactly how much tax-payers money has been wasted.

It is estimated that between £8 and £10 million of taxpayers’ money was spent clearing and preparing the site in Greenock before the Scottish Government performed Monday’s (26 January) spectacular U-turn.

Cornton Vale is Scotland’s only women’s prison and former Justice Secretary Kenny MacKaskill indicated it was due to close in 2018.

Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said: “The Scottish Government have some serious questions to answer over the scrapping of the proposed women’s prison in Greenock and taxpayers will rightfully want to know how much of their money has been wasted.

“The Scottish Government previously indicated that Cornton Vale was due to close in 2018 and Michael Matheson must now confirm whether this is still to happen. The people who work at Cornton Vale deserve some clarity over the future of their jobs.

“Last week when I asked the First Minister about the Greenock project I was rebuked. Announcements like this must be made in parliament under the full scrutiny of elected officials otherwise the SNP stand accused of trying to brush this latest U-turn under the carpet.”