An exhibition of art by prisoners at HMP Perth and HMP Castle Huntly raised nearly £850 for the local branch of a leading military charity.

The exhibition – Inside Out – was a joint project between the Scottish Prison Service and the Perth & Kinross branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. It was held at St Paul’s Church in Kinross.

Attendance was good on both days, and branch chairman Andy Middlemiss welcomed people from without and within the walls of the prisons.

The former included Susie Hamilton – the Scottish Veterans Commissioner and a retired Royal Navy lieutenant commander – prison staff, and local councillors, as well as members of the public and veterans. The latter included prisoners who had created the art.

Andy said:

“It was a huge success, and I’m pleased to report that the visitors never stopped pilling in on both days. We sold 38 paintings out of 56, which is fabulous, and raised £835 for SSAFA, which was beyond my expectations to be honest, and will go towards our work in the area for the Armed Forces community.”

On behalf of SSAFA, he thanked all those who attended the exhibition and bought paintings, as well as those who worked to make Inside Out happen – including the prisoners. Andy also commented that families of prisoners visited, and SSAFA volunteers and others made them feel welcomed.

SSAFA is available for all current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families – whether they need immediate help or long-term support – with SSAFA’s Veterans in the Criminal Justice System (VCJS) Support Service committed to offer a recognised and consistent service nationwide. To learn more, visit ssafa.org.uk/vcjs.

To find out more about support available in Perthshire, how to fundraise or donate, and how to volunteer, go to ssafa.org.uk/perth-kinross.