Inside the prison course transforming Low Moss inmates

The Glasgow Times was given exclusive access to the last session of its 50th course focusing on victim awareness.

Over 12 years, more than 400 men inside the Bishopbriggs prison have taken part in the Sycamore Tree Project.

Inmates said the meetings, spanning over six weeks for each group, "opened their eyes" to how many people were impacted by their actions.

One participant said: "We thought about justice and what it really means, where do we go from here and taking responsibility for our crimes.

“I learned a lot about the ripple effect and to think about things before you do them.

“It was a big help. The realization is a bit scary.

“It’s very beneficial, going forward, I will not be so short-sighted."

Another man added: "It’s an eye-opener to reflect and see what I have done and realise who the victims were.

“There is so much more than the victim alone, including your family, friends or anyone who witnessed the crime.

“These people are all involved, I find that really touching."

A third prisoner said: "I grew up in a background where I struggled to talk about my feelings but the ladies here persevered and showed me a totally different perspective on crime.

“It really opened my eyes to what life is about.

“What we learned here will stick with me for the rest of my life.

“Prison is a hard place to be but I really enjoyed coming here and talking about things."

At the end, participants are encouraged to write a symbolic letter to someone affected by their felony.

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Margaret (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The scheme is run by Prison Fellowship Scotland and is supported by wonderful volunteers, who all received a special painting, created by Low Moss inmates, to mark the occasion.

Margaret has been part of the team since the program was launched.

She said: “We use the story of the sycamore tree from the Bible and look at how actions affect people.

“You really do see a change. They come in at the start, some are not even aware of how relevant it is to their experience.

“By the end, the majority of them do respond, in different ways.

“Something we teach them about is the ripple effect and the effects of their crime reach more than just the victim.

“Their family, friends and the local community are all affected.

“A lot of them never think about that."