Skip to content

The prison that hands out presents to inmates' children

BBC Colin O'Flaherty standing in a room full of children's toys, books and games. He is wearing a red jumper with Christmas lights on it and the words This is not just any Christmas jumper. He has grey hair and glasses and is looking at the camera. There is a large picture on the wall behind him showing a purple flowers and a tree in the distance.BBC
Prison officer Colin O'Flaherty has been running the scheme for the past 23 years

Hundreds of children whose fathers are serving time at HMP Edinburgh are to benefit from the prison's annual Christmas gift appeal for the 39th year.

The scheme was first set up by a prison chaplain to enable the prisoners to be able to provide presents for their children at a time when families may be hard-up.

Those who donate mainly come from church congregations - some of which have been providing gifts since the appeal began.

About 28 parishes across Edinburgh and the Lothians are involved and last year 328 children received presents.

Prison officer Colin O'Flaherty, 66, has run the appeal for the past 23 years.

"It takes over my December," he told BBC Scotland News.

"But it's well worth it because at the end of the day it's children that benefit from it."

Positive feedback

Colin doesn't get to see the reaction from families these days but years ago he used to do all the wrapping and packing with the help of a few of the prisoners.

"I used to have really positive feedback from a lot of the prisoners, just thanking me for doing it and [saying] the difference it actually made for them," he said.

"They were worried about not being able to give their children presents and the families were worried because there was no money for presents for the children."

Colin feels next year - the 40th anniversary of the appeal - may be his last one.

But he has a portfolio ready to hand over to his successor.

"This will continue," he said.

Mark Holloway looking at the camera. He has dark grey hair and is wearing a grey outdoor jacket, a white shirt and a blue tie with small white spots on it. There are blurred toys in the background.
Deputy governor Mark Holloway said the scheme helped to create a sense of connection between prisoners and their children as well as the prison and the local community

Deputy governor Mark Holloway said the appeal was a "fantastic idea" that took the pressure off families.

He added it not only created a sense of connection between the prison and the community, but also the dads and their children who come to visit them.

He said: "The joy on the faces of the children is something to behold, but also the look on a father's face to watch their child unwrap a present is fantastic.

"When I think about my own children on Christmas Day, it's one of the biggest pleasures I'll get and to have the ability to recreate that in the prison is a fabulous opportunity."

He added: "We should remember that the separation between a father and child can be quite traumatic.

"The ability to support families to stay connected will actually help rehabilitate people and make them more successful when they are returned back into the community."

Martin Crew standing in a room full of toys and games smiling at the camera. He has a bald head with grey hair at the sides. He is wearing a blue Christmas jumper with white "snow" on it along with a big reindeer's face. The reindeer has red antlers and is wearing a white, red and black bobble hat.
Martin Crewe said the presents can be tailored to the individual children

Barnardo's Scotland runs the prison's nearby visitor centre which tries to create a more normal experience for families visiting inmates.

It allows the children to interact more with their dads and have some play time in a more relaxed environment, rather then just having the formality of a prison visit.

Director Martin Crewe said: "Christmas can put stress on all families, but particularly for the families who are benefiting from this scheme with a loved one in prison.

"It's particularly hard, both financially and emotionally.

"What's lovely about this scheme is that as we get to know the children we know what they like to play with so the gift they get can be tailored to the individual child and family."

He added: "Of course, prisoners have done something wrong and are locked up for that reason but the family haven't and, particularly at this time of year, we need to be forgiving of the family and the effect upon them and try and give all children a better Christmas."

Angela Constance wrapping a present in light blue paper featuring Santas and snowmen. She is wearing a black leather jacket and a large blue, gold and silver necklace. A prison officer is facing her, away from the camera and is holding a piece of sellotape. They are in a room with tables and chairs, lockers and information boards in it.
Justice Minister Angela Constance said the scheme made a big difference to many children and families

During a visit to the visitor centre, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: "This initiative is a great endeavour by the Scottish Prison Service and individual officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make life a wee bit better, not just for people in custody but also their families.

"Christmas is a difficult time for the families and the children.

"It's in all our interests to support, where we can, good family contact and good family relationships."

The minister added that it made a big difference to children and families across the Lothians.

Constance said: "This was an initiative started by a prison chaplain 40 years ago and there's been a small number of prison officers who have kept this initiative alive and I think it is absolutely commendable that officer Colin has been doing this for 23 years."