HMP Castle Huntly is Scotland's only open prison, set in the grounds of a 15th-century castle near Dundee. It prepares prisoners for release.
About HMP Castle Huntly
HMP Castle Huntly is a Open male establishment situated in Dundee, Perth and Kinross, within the Scotland region. Operated by SPS, the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 285 and has been in operation since 1947.
How to Visit HMP Castle Huntly
If you want to visit someone at HMP Castle Huntly, 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 Castle Huntly directly on 01382 319333 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 Castle Huntly
You can reach HMP Castle Huntly by phone on 01382 319333. 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 Castle Huntly, 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 Castle Huntly
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 01382 319333.
Phone Calls at HMP Castle Huntly
Prisoners at HMP Castle Huntly 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 Castle Huntly
What category is HMP Castle Huntly?
HMP Castle Huntly is classified as a Open prison. .
What is the capacity of HMP Castle Huntly?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 285 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 Castle Huntly?
You can call HMP Castle Huntly on 01382 319333 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Longforgan, Dundee, Dundee, DD2 5HL.
How do I book a visit to HMP Castle Huntly?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 01382 319333. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Castle Huntly?
HMP Castle Huntly is operated by SPS. SPS is a private company contracted by the Ministry of Justice to manage certain prisons and provide custodial services.