The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has notified Highland Council of its plan to potentially submit a formal planning application for an area of land in the Braes of Balvonie area. The proposed site is next to homes built for Scotland’s Housing Expo, which was held in 2010.

HMP Highland would replace 112-year-old Inverness Prison, also known as Porterfield, near the city centre.

The 103-prisoner-capacity jail, one of the smallest and oldest in Scotland, has had problems with overcrowding and the SPS said there was no room to expand the site.

Proposals for the site include specialist accommodation units for prisoners alongside a community integration unit and family help hub.

A report by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland said Porterfield was overcrowded and in need of refurbishment. The Scottish Government has previously said it would cost around £52 million to build a new prison in Inverness.

The SPS had already suggested building a new jail at Beechwood in partnership with landowner Highlands and Islands Enterprise, but the proposals were eventually turned down.

In the pre-planning application it stated: “The existing prison has been criticised for overcrowding and lack of facilities. These issues will be addressed as part of the proposals.”

Public consultation meetings will be held towards the end of May with drop-in sessions at Milton of Leys Primary School and Inshes Church.