Inmates at a Glasgow prison have started producing their own podcast.

The project is part of Barbed Wireless, Barlinnie's radio station, which provides visual content and information to inmates.

It is believed to be the first time that prisoners in the UK have created their own podcast.

The podcast, called Inspired Inside, was made possible after Glasgow-based arts charity Creative Change Collective was awarded a £5,000 National Lottery grant.

The charity supports prisoners through arts and creative processes related to film, theatre, and performance, aiding their rehabilitation and cutting reoffending.

One episode is now available to the public.

The first guest on the podcast was Barlinnie governor Michael Stoney, who praised Creative Change Collective's work in the jail.

He said the charity staff give prisoners a "positive outlet to express themselves, build their confidence and improve their communication and life skills".

Mr Stoney said: “The Barbed Wireless Media Centre is an integral part of daily life in Barlinnie. 

“For those involved, they have a real sense of purpose that inspires a confidence within them to engage in other activities.

“We know that these are the things that help people to make positive changes to their lives and better prepare them for life after prison.

“The varied initiatives from organisations like the Creative Change Collective bring a real energy to the prison, offering ‘something different’ for people to be part of.”

In the second episode of Inspired Inside, a prisoner called Eugene interviewed Mark MacNicol, project director of Creative Change Collective.

He said: “To my knowledge this group of prisoners are the only ones in the UK running their own podcast, and it was a pleasure to appear as one of their first guests.

“The project gives participants a creative outlet and teaches them technical skills associated with broadcasting and the media, as well as improving their communication at all levels.

“This and our wider work in prisons supports inmates to learn new things, develop their confidence and sense of teamwork, and prepare for life outside so they are less likely to reoffend.

“We are always looking for ways to address social issues through the power of the arts and creativity and would welcome similar partnerships with other prisons around the country.”

The charity also runs a drama therapy-type programme called Anonymous Drama where prisoners develop a group script over 12 to 16 weeks.

The programme aims to allow people who might struggle to express themselves to do so in a safe environment that is less emotionally triggering.