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Brigadier who trained Iraq military takes on Scots prisons role

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Published Date: 13 June 2009
By Craig Brown
A FORMER army officer who helped to train and equip the Iraqi military is to be Scotland's new chief inspector of prisons.
Brigadier Hugh Monro was named yesterday by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill as the replacement for the outgoing chief inspector, Dr Andrew McLellan, who retired this week after seven years in the post.

"Hughie" Monro served in the army for 3
6 years with the Queen's Own Highlanders. Before retiring, his final post was as the deputy commanding general of the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, based in Baghdad during 2006 and 2007, where he was responsible for helping to train and equip the Iraqi army and its police.

Previously, he had set up and commanded the School of Infantry, at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, where he was responsible for all infantry training.

He also commanded the operation to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease in southern Scotland.

Brig Monro, who lives in Speyside, said of his new role: "I am extremely honoured to have been appointed as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland.

"Dr Andrew McLellan and his excellent team have given a great lead and set high standards of inspection and reporting over the past seven years. I will try to maintain this fine example.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of providing independent assurance that Scotland's prisons meet the international standards for humane treatment of prisoners."

Brig Monro's interests include repairing dry stane dykes at his home, golf and Morgan sports cars.

He will take over the role of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, a post with a fixed four-year term, next Tuesday.

Announcing his appointment, Mr MacAskill said he believed Brig Monro would help ensure that prisons remained a "safe environment".

He said: "Brigadier Monro has served his country with distinction for many years.

"I have no doubt that he is more than capable of taking on the challenging role of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, leading the inspectorate responsible for ensuring that Scotland's prison estate remains a safe environment for staff and prisoners alike.

"Dr Andrew McLellan was an outstanding chief inspector."

Conservative justice spokesman Bill Aitken said he was "very hopeful" the brigadier would bring a "degree of realism and effectiveness" to the role.





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  • Last Updated: 12 June 2009 9:53 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Scottish prisons
 
1

Tracker,

13/06/2009 01:01:35
"meet the international standards for humane treatment of prisoners".

The standards we have in Scotland seem to be pretty cushy indeed. Without more prison places being made available I do not see how justice can be served and the public protected.
2

donald,

glasgow 13/06/2009 03:39:30
Luckily for Labour they are immune from prosecution and won't be adding even more to their long term record of prison overcrowding. Grey should resign.
3

Dragonhead,

Dalian,China 13/06/2009 03:42:01
Funny how my mail disappeared? Can't have Dragonhead commenting that he knew and met Brig Munro when he was a subaltern in Inverness circa 1974-1976 with the Queens Own Hldrs.Gordonville Road Inverness to be precise.
Time they had discipline and leadership in prisons.
Make the prisoners build more prisons. It isn't rocket science.
4

Reject London,

DUNDEE 13/06/2009 06:51:08
Also, my comment disappeared - are all newspapers afraid to have readers give their opinions?

Is everything supposed to be bland, middle of the road and non-challenging??

Monro - the man that thought so much of the Highlanders he voted to merge them out of existence as a regiment. Principles, fight for what you believe in - arent they qualities that a prison head needs?

Or is it a case of do what the governments tell you so you can pick up honours and large pay packets?

As usual - mediocrity wins the day.
5

brianmca3,

auld reekie 13/06/2009 10:14:55
maybe he should employ some ex RSMs and treat the lags as they would treat new recruits to the army
but no PC and Human rights would bleat worse than foulkes in the scots parli
tough measures are needed,but whos going top be first to do it,and are they ready for the backlash from middle class tumshie heids who spout "oh the prisoners rights"
this social inclusion mince did and will not work,i think those who thought it up spent too much time watching the OU on BBC2 in the early days of it
hard labour,basic needs met should be the order of the day
6

Dragonhead,

Dalian,China 13/06/2009 11:55:51
#5brianmca3 As both an ex-RSM and later the Comdt of a Services Corrective Establishment, I could put money on most of them squealing for their mothers in no time.
Prison is for punishment not a rest from a crime spree!
7

brianmca3,

auld reekie 13/06/2009 12:40:22
#6 i totaly agree,i was in the ATC in the 60s,and did drill at East clearmont st drill hall
boy was it tough on us ,any shirking or fooling about,was met by what i can only discribe as led zeps full stage gear on full whack,with a gale force wind ,blasted at my ears lol
never did me any harm,although i didnt further a career in the armed services,it taught me respect,along with what my dad taught us about behaving etc
those days alas are gone,as anyone roaring at a ned would be charged with verbal assault,more money for shyster lawyers
i never did crime as i didnt want to do the time,and have my life ruined
8

Dragonhead,

Dalian,China 14/06/2009 03:33:22
#7brianmca3,The so called tough guys are just wee babies when they are on their own.
Remember a soldier coming to me in Germany, to thank me for "turning his life around". He was ladies man who liked burning girls with cigarettes etc.A couple of minutes in my office and a few well chosen words, delivered in a calm and quiet voice,were all it took.
No shouting.He went on to eventually be promoted in his new posting and proved he had changed.
No bounds,no respect,no self discipline,no direction,and no idea in the youth of today. Life skills seem to be "Stealing,thuggery,drugs,booze,and anti-social behaviour". Not to mention knife crime,etc etc etc.A key Blair adviser drew a direct correlation between the rapid rise in crime figures and the demise of National Service!!! Strange that.Oh!and I have the led zeps full stage gear on full whack,with a gale force wind,when required.The soft voice is for special occasions.
What appeared in front of me depended on how they were greeted ;-)
9

Bright Spark,

16/07/2009 02:26:38
The best place for these so called Brigadiers is on their own soil where they belong.

 

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