Dungavel immigration removal centre (IRC)
Operation of Dungavel IRC started in September 2021, holding up to 125 residents. Dungavel is an IRC in South Lanarkshire, Scotland where our Escorting Services already operate a vehicle base. This will include significant improvements to the previous contract including more staff on site to improve safety and welfare of both residents and staff, a dedicated welfare team available daily to focus on residents’ needs and the ability to increase or decrease the number of residents being housed at the IRC at one time.
Care & Custody are responsible for delivering the end to end management of all residents’ needs until the outcome of their case is decided by the Home Office – removal or temporary admission into the UK. This is balanced against the competing pressures of safety, security, welfare needs and regime.
Our aim is to treat those in our care with dignity, decency and respect, delivering a safe and healthy establishment which stands up to public scrutiny. We operate in a high risk, high profile and heavily regulated environment engaging with numerous stakeholders including the Home Office and Medical Service delivery partners. In delivering our services, we help residents understand what happens next, provide an environment for them to engage in activities relevant to them and create an environment in which they can reach out for support whilst building positive staff-resident relationships. Our environment is one where positive behaviour is promoted in order to support the welfare of those in our care, and our staff.
Where we are
You can find us at the below address:
Dungavel IRC
Strathaven
South Lanarkshire
ML10 6RF
We are located off the B743 just south of Strathaven, with major connections being into Hamilton, approximately 14 miles north of the IRC.
View map
COVID-19 Measures
Please be aware that all official visitors, social visitors and contractors must complete a Lateral Flow Test before entry to our Immigration Removal Centres.
The test will take approximately 20mins to complete, including receiving the test result, so please allow for this time. If you test positive, entrance will be refused.
If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, we politely ask that you do not attend site.
Visitors to Dungavel IRC
Visiting hours at the IRC are between 9am and 9pm every day. Last entry to the centre will be at 8.15pm.
If you are wishing to visit a resident at Dungavel, you will need to contact us on the below number:
01698 395000
Once your booking has been made you will receive a confirmation email with full details as well as a supporting information guide outlining visitation rules and regulations.
Any bookings must be made with a minimum of 24 hours notice. Any visits booked outside of this notice period require further authorisation and will considered by the Centre Manager. If you are need of collection / drop off within the local area, please let us know upon booking and we will make arrangements where possible.
Visitor ID
As per Home Office requirements, all visitors over the age of 18 must present the following ID prior to entry:
One of the following:
- A passport (current or if expired within 5 years of expiry date). This can include foreign passports and travel documents recognised by HM Government
- European Community identity card
- Photographic driving licence
Or two of the following:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Rail or bus pass with photograph
- Employer’s ID card or NUS student card
- Young person’s proof of age card
- Trade union membership card
- Senior citizen travel pass issued by a local authority
- Home Office ARC card (asylum support application registration card)
- Benefits book
Please refer to Detention Service Order 04/2012 for specific requirements by the Home Office for visiting immigration removal centres in the UK, found here.
From the M74 from Glasgow:
- At junction 8 of the M74, exit onto Swinhill Rd/A71 towards Kilmarnock/Edinburgh
- At Canderside Toll, take the 2nd exit and stay on Swinhill Rd/A71 for 1.9mi
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A71 for 3.9 mi
Turn left onto Muirkirk Rd/B743 and follow the B743 for 5.5 mi
The best linked train station is in Hamilton to the Southeast of Glasgow. Hamilton has two stations, Hamilton Central (HNC) and Hamilton West (HNW).
There are no local bus stops/routes to Dungavel IRC, therefore we offer a collection service from Hamilton each day. If you require collection, please make sure you request this on you booking.
Prohibited items
There are a number of items which are forbidden from entry to the IRC. A full list can be provided on request or during the booking process.
Typically, mobile phones/smart devices, cash or sharp objects are not allowed to be held in possession upon entry to the IRC.
All visitors are subject to a search and the concealing of any forbidden items could result in refusal of entry or referral to the local police.
Any personal effects or items that do not meet the entry criteria can be safely stored in one of the small lockers provided on site for the duration of your visit.
