Army man takes over as Scottish prisons chief

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 11:53

AN ARMY brigadier has been appointed chief inspector of prisons, it was announced today.

Brigadier Hughie Monro will take over from former churchman Dr Andrew McLellan next week for four years.

The brigadier served in Baghdad during 2006 and 2007 where he helped train and equip the Iraqi army and police, as deputy commanding general of the Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq.

"I am extremely honoured to have been appointed," he said today.

"Dr Andrew McLellan and his excellent team have given a great lead and set high standards of inspection and reporting over the past seven years. I will try to maintain this fine example.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of providing independent assurance that Scotland's prisons meet the international standards for humane treatment of prisoners."

Dr McLellan published his final annual report earlier this week, in which he criticised the lack of places on treatment programmes for sex offenders prior to their release.

He has been a consistent critic of overcrowding in jails.

Brigadier Monro, who was in the Army for 36 years, was commissioned into the Queen's Own Highlanders in 1972 and retired last year.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Brigadier Monro has served his country with distinction for many years.

"I have no doubt that he is more than capable of taking on the challenging role of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons."