The Scottish government yesterday published its prison population statistics for 2021–22, showing that the average daily remand population increased by around 14 per cent from 1,634 in 2020–21 to 1,862.

Liam McArthur, justice spokesperson for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said the figures were indicative of the Scottish justice system grinding to a halt.

Mr McArthur said: “Increasing numbers are being held without a trial having taken place. That’s bad for both those accused and for their victims who are prevented from seeing justice done.

“It is time to tackle the huge backlog of cases clogging up our court system.”

He added: “Scottish prisons are facing record overcrowding and spiralling rates of self-harm. Proper investment in bail supervision orders and electronic tagging could mean that remand is only used where it is necessary to safeguard communities and public safety.”