Sex offenders now outnumber any other inmates at HMP Glenochil, a report has revealed.
This has put a significant strain on social work services at the high-security prison as staff are forced to undertake specialist training.
Latest figures show that 354 sex offenders are based at the Alloa facility, compared to 295 mainstream prisoners.
The report by the HMP Glenochil visiting committee detailed the impact this has had on other areas of the prison.
It stated: “This has resulted in increased demands on several departments.
“Psychology and social work had to increase their staffing levels and staff have also had to be trained to undertake the specialist programmes needed when dealing with a sex offender population.
“There is a serious lack of places on these programmes and that, together with the length of time taken to produce written reports, results in large numbers of complaints.
“As sex offenders are an older population, mainly because of historic crimes and longer sentences, the health centre has had to make provision for more disabled, age-related and terminal illnesses.
“Some cells are currently being adapted to meet the needs of these prisoners.”
Despite this shift in prison population, there has been a significant decrease in the number of incidents.
Over the last 12 months, 255 prisoners have spent time in the segregation unit, compared to 370 in the previous year.
Meanwhile, only 434 inmates were processed through the orderly room which deals with disciplinary proceedings compared to 811 in the period 2012-13.
This has been attributed to the fact that sex offenders are “less likely” to display a need to be moved into segregation or make an appearance in the orderly room.
It could also be linked to an increase in prisoners willing to take on work opportunities within HMP Glenochil.
Several areas have enjoyed continued success, including the Speedy Hire programme, painting and decorating, industrial cleaning and hairdressing, as well as timber assembly.
Due to changes in demand for products and services offered by the work sheds, however, a review will be carried out of activities in the prison.
The report stated: “The group undertaking this review is headed by the governor and will determine what work opportunities are open which offer realistic, long-term potential and which, at the same time, will best advantage prisoners returning to society.
“Thought will be given to determining what prisoners are getting out of work opportunities, enhancing prisoner skills, linking more with the outside community and staff placements to achieve the best impact.
“The group will also focus on providing meaningful qualifications for prisoners and engaging more commercial organisations into the prison as possible partners in this endeavour.”
The visiting committee will continue to visit the prison on a fortnightly basis as part of Scottish Government requirements.