Brigadier who trained Iraq military takes on Scots prisons role

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 22:13

A FORMER army officer who helped to train and equip the Iraqi military is to be Scotland's new chief inspector of prisons.

Brigadier Hugh Monro was named yesterday by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill as the replacement for the outgoing chief inspector, Dr Andrew McLellan, who retired this week after seven years in the post.

"Hughie" Monro served in the army for 36 years with the Queen's Own Highlanders. Before retiring, his final post was as the deputy commanding general of the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, based in Baghdad during 2006 and 2007, where he was responsible for helping to train and equip the Iraqi army and its police.

Previously, he had set up and commanded the School of Infantry, at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, where he was responsible for all infantry training.

He also commanded the operation to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease in southern Scotland.

Brig Monro, who lives in Speyside, said of his new role: "I am extremely honoured to have been appointed as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland.

"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."

Brig Monro's interests include repairing dry stane dykes at his home, golf and Morgan sports cars.

He will take over the role of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, a post with a fixed four-year term, next Tuesday.

Announcing his appointment, Mr MacAskill said he believed Brig Monro would help ensure that prisons remained a "safe environment".

He 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, leading the inspectorate responsible for ensuring that Scotland's prison estate remains a safe environment for staff and prisoners alike.

"Dr Andrew McLellan was an outstanding chief inspector."

Conservative justice spokesman Bill Aitken said he was "very hopeful" the brigadier would bring a "degree of realism and effectiveness" to the role.