THE UNDER-FIRE Castle Huntly open prison has been an “invaluable help” in running the annual gala day at nearby Longforgan, a villager said yesterday.

Pam Fowlie is a member of the Longforgan community trust, which is trying to raise funds to build a village hall and has formed a partnership with the Carse of Gowrie prison.

Substantial concern has been expressed about the number of prisoners absconding and the reported problems with drug use by prisoners.

Ms Fowlie said there is another side to the story.

She said, “I live in Longforgan and I have no qualms about the prison staff and how they run the service.”

She pointed out that many of the prisoners who abscond do so not from the prison but while on home leave. She wanted people to know the good work the prison was doing in the community.

The trust’s involvement with Castle Huntly began five years ago when hanging baskets were donated for a gala day raffle—an act repeated annually.

“They also help on the day to set up all the gazebos and at the end of the day return to take them all down and clear the park. We would not be able to put on the gala day without their help.

“They also gave us bedding plants which we sold to raise funds over a weekend in May and we raised almost £500.”

An agreement was later reached for the trust to buy hanging baskets and for the prison’s gardens department to fill them with plants. Two further sales raised another £500 and the exercise is being repeated this year, Ms Fowlie said.

A Scottish Prison Service review of operations at Castle Huntly will be published later this month.