Sporting stars behind bars in drive to get inmates reading

Published on Tuesday 31 March 2009 09:44

RUGBY legend Gavin Hastings joined other sporting stars for a spell behind bars at Saughton Prison – in a new drive to help inmates.

Around 30 inmates attended the sporting question and answer session last night which was aimed at increasing the prisoners' interest in sport and reading, as the most popular books at the prison library have a sport theme.

As well the Edinburgh Rugby chairman and former Scotland rugby captain, the question and answer panel consisted of Hearts youngster Ryan McGowan, 20 – captain of the Tynecastle reserve team – and rugby internationalist Jim Hamilton, 26.

Questions ranged from wages paid to football and rugby players, to the types of training involved in each sport.

For Edinburgh Rugby, Andrew Sleight, said: "We are looking to engage with every section of Edinburgh society. The main intention behind the event was to encourage the inmates to read a lot more and improve their literacy rates.

"It gave the inmates an opportunity to pick the brains of people like Gavin Hastings. It gave them an insight into what life would be like as a professional sportsman – that was the chief incentive."

The event proved popular with inmates. Prisoner Sandy Muir, 37, from Ayrshire, who is serving three years for attempted murder, said: "I think it's been really good and interesting to hear about their careers. It's given me more of an insight into rugby and I would definitely like more events like this."

Gavin Hastings said: "I'm very happy to try and give an insight into the sport. If you can offer a ray of hope it might just help these guys move forward."

The event was organised by Edinburgh City Libraries and the Scottish Prison Service, in conjunction with Edinburgh Rugby Club and Hearts Football Club.

Hearts star Ryan McGowan said he thought the event was "a great idea" and added: "I think it's good for them to interact and ask questions that not many people get to ask professional rugby players or young footballers."

Meanwhile Edinburgh and Scotland lock Jim Hamilton said: "I grew up in a less privileged, working class area in Coventry, so I know the difficulties that life holds and I know how much rugby helped me along the way.

"I think it's good to speak to young lads around my age about experiences in my life. I suppose guys looking at us in here might want to try hard and achieve things outside of here when they leave."

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: "We are grateful for the sporting personalities involved giving up their time.

"Events like this help to promote sport with prisoners which can help them improve their lifestyles and health. It can also help them to return to society with a fresh approach."