PRISON chiefs have revealed the demolition of HMP Low Moss at Bishopbriggs exceeded tough recycling targets.

They claim contractor Carillion was able to recycle 99.5% of the old prison building at the site, with the rest going to landfill.

Gordon McGuire, Scottish Prison Service sustainability manager, said: "The successful achievement of the sustainable demolition of HMP Low Moss, with the extremely small use of landfill for materials from the site, is an example of the environmental ambitions of the Scottish Prison Service.

"This was a team effort between SPS, East Dunbartonshire Council and Carillion. These were stiff targets and to exceed them, and at the same time assist local charities and community groups, is particularly pleasing."

Eco-friendly methods for the project included the careful dismantling of a steel shed for re-use as a farm building, a timber-framed building was turned into chipboard for re-use in the construction industry and the remainder was used as bio-fuel.

Concrete, brickwork and blockwork were crushed on site and 35,000 tonnes of material was produced for use in the site's redevelopment as a new prison.

Radiators, toilets, sinks, light fittings, sockets and switches, and 200 fire extinguishers were also re-supplied to commercial sources.

And office equipment, furniture, sanitary fittings and 4000 bobbins of yarn were redistributed through a website dedicated to the re-use of surplus materials.