SCOTLAND’S largest prison is “no longer fit for purpose” to deal with the number of inmates it houses, inspectors have said.

An inspection of Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow found that holding cells in the reception area which were “first condemned 25 years ago” remain in use – with concerns that they breach the human rights of prisoners.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland also highlighted the “outdated and antiquated building design”, with inspectors noting the “severe state of disrepair”

of medical rooms.

Their report said while “strenuous efforts were being made to maintain hygiene and cleanliness” throughout the prison “inspectors were concerned to see rats in the grounds”.

At the time of their visit, Barlinnie housed 1489 prisoners – 45.8% more than the maximum number it was designed for.

Scottish Prison Service (SPS) bosses have bought a 22 -hectare site in north-east Glasgow, where it is hoped a new prison will be built.

But SPS chief executive Colin McConnell has previously told MSPs he does not expect this to be ready until 2024 at the earliest.