SCOTTISH prisons have no strategy for dealing with a rising population of elderly inmates, leaving 72-year olds clambering onto top bunks, incontinent prisoners taken to court or hospital in handcuffs and dementia sufferers left undiagnosed.

The warnings come in a report from prisons inspectors, as the number of prisoners over 60 rose by 20 per cent in just a year from 280 to 340.

The report: "Who Cares?" highlights problems with accommodation in institutions which were never designed for so many older prisoners.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland David Strang said a combination of factors were leading to a rising population of pensioner inmates, including the ageing of the population, a tendency for courts to impose sentences with longer 'punishment' elements, and increased numbers of historic sex offences being brought to trial.

He also said too many prison wings were unsuitable, with cells too far away for prisoners with mobility problems to walk to dining halls, family visit rooms or communal areas, leaving them trapped in residential wings.

One prisoner in a wheelchair could not even leave his cell unless a fellow prisoner was on hand to help collapse the chair - as it would not fit through the cell door.

Mr Strang said: "Too many older people in our prisons are not having their needs met in a satisfactory way. The report contains distressing details of the treatment of some older prisoners, especially when they were out of prison, either at court or at hospital."

Around half of prisoners aged over 60 contributed views to the report via interviews and questionnaires. Issues raised included delays in receiving medication and attending hospital appointments as well as everyday concerns such as mobility and suitability of accommodation.

The study found that while some over-60s felt well looked after by prison staff, others were not having their needs met by the system.

Mr Strang said staff were doing their best to meet the social care needs of prisoners, which are sometimes provided for by council and health boards, but often by prison officers or by other prisoners.

"We heard positive accounts of how some older prisoners felt well looked after by prison officers and staff who demonstrated kindness and compassion," Mr Strang said.

But such patchy and ad hoc arrangements are not good enough and leave many older prisoners feeling isolated and afraid, he said. ""Many expressed their fears of growing old in prison and the possibility of dying alone.

"There is a clear need for such basics of life as suitable activities and social contact. We are not talking about luxurious treatment.

"But the SPS and the Scottish Government need to have a proper plan to deal with this issue, as it is not going to go away."

Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "This report highlights the challenges of providing effective care and a constructive regime for an increasingly elderly and frail prison population. It is a challenge which the Scottish prison service cannot meet on its own.

"Prison staff should not be expected to do the jobs of nurses and care providers. A comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure health, social care and criminal justice agencies work together to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of people growing old behind bars."

An SPS spokeswoman said the report and its "constructive commentary" was welcomed as well as a recognition that many staff attempt to go the extra mile to provide support and care.

However she also said the SPS could not solve the issue alone: "We look forward to working with our partners to ensure that we provide the best possible care and support for older people in custody," she said.