HMP Barlinnie is Scotland's largest prison, located in the east end of Glasgow. It holds remand and short-term sentenced prisoners.
About HMP Barlinnie
HMP Barlinnie is a Category B male establishment situated in Glasgow, Glasgow, within the Scotland region. Operated by SPS, the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,018 and has been in operation since 1882.
Category B prisons hold those who don't require maximum security, but for whom escape still needs to be made very difficult. Many local prisons that serve courts fall into this category, holding both remand and sentenced prisoners.
How to Visit HMP Barlinnie
If you want to visit someone at HMP Barlinnie, you'll first need to be placed on the prisoner's approved visitor list. The prisoner themselves will need to submit your details — including your full name, date of birth, and address — for a basic security check. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the prison.
Once you've been approved, you can book visits in one of two ways:
- Online: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service — it's free and available 24/7
- By phone: Call HMP Barlinnie directly on 0141 770 2000 during working hours
On the day of your visit, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated time. You'll need to bring valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or national identity card). There are restrictions on what you can bring into the prison — generally no phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed. Most prisons allow a small amount of cash for the vending machines in the visits hall.
Contacting HMP Barlinnie
You can reach HMP Barlinnie by phone on 0141 770 2000. Phone lines are typically open Monday to Friday during standard office hours. For written correspondence, the postal address is:
If you need to send money to someone at HMP Barlinnie, the easiest method is through the GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner service. It's free and takes just a few minutes online.
Sending Items to Prisoners at Barlinnie
Rules on sending items vary by prison, but generally you cannot send parcels directly to prisoners. Most prisons use an approved catalogue system where prisoners can order items using money in their prison account. Some establishments allow books to be sent via approved retailers such as Amazon or Blackwell's — but always check with the prison first by calling 0141 770 2000.
Phone Calls at HMP Barlinnie
Prisoners at HMP Barlinnie can make outgoing calls using the prison phone system (typically BT or a dedicated provider). They'll need credit on their phone account, which can be topped up by family and friends. Calls to UK landlines generally cost around 1p per minute, while mobile calls are more expensive. For more detail on costs, see our guide on how much prison phone calls cost.
Prisoners cannot receive incoming calls. All outgoing calls (except those to legal representatives) are recorded and may be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMP Barlinnie
What category is HMP Barlinnie?
HMP Barlinnie is classified as a Category B prison. Category B prisons hold those who don't require maximum security, but for whom escape still needs to be made very difficult. Many local prisons that serve courts fall into this category, holding both remand and sentenced prisoners.
What is the capacity of HMP Barlinnie?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,018 prisoners. This number represents the certified normal accommodation plus any additional temporary beds. Actual population levels can fluctuate and sometimes exceed capacity.
How do I contact HMP Barlinnie?
You can call HMP Barlinnie on 0141 770 2000 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at 81 Lee Avenue, Glasgow, Glasgow, G33 2QX.
How do I book a visit to HMP Barlinnie?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 0141 770 2000. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Barlinnie?
HMP Barlinnie is operated by SPS. SPS is a private company contracted by the Ministry of Justice to manage certain prisons and provide custodial services.