 | 'Watson has already claimed £21,000 in expenses in just two years, despite having been a sitting MSP. His friends have indicated he will be moving to London after his release, intending to earn a lucrative income from work as a full-time peer.' Eddie Barnes, Political Editor, in Scotland on Sunday, 25 th September 2005. |  |
FROM the green leather benches of the House of Lords to a hard bed in HMP Edinburgh, the next eight months of Mike Watson's life will be far removed from the luxurious lifestyle he is used to.
Inside the forbidding walls of Saughton jail, his morning will begin at 7:30am when prison wardens open each cell door and make sure the prisoners are awake.
From there it is down to the servery where a simple breakfast, consisting of cereal and a roll, is served. Prisoners can choose to eat breakfast in their cell or in communal seating areas situated on each floor.
At 8:30am, prisoners begin their main activity of the morning, whether it be hammering away in the metalwork or woodwork studios, or attending a correctional programme.
Lunch is normally served between 11:30am and 1:30pm, during which time prisoners are allowed to spend time in the open air.
Between 1:30pm and 4:30pm, prisoners have to undertake more educational and workplace sessions. A two-course dinner sees prisoners choosing from three main courses, two of which are "healthier options".
At Edinburgh, most family visits are held in the evening. Prisoners are also free to mingle, work out in the small gym located on each floor, or watch TV in their cell - at a cost of £1 per week.
Lord Watson could find himself chosen as a prison "passman" - someone given extra responsibilities which keep them apart from other cons. If a prisoner wins the trust of staff, he may be allowed to carry out extra duties such as cleaning and preparing the chapel.
One task Lord Watson will not have to endure, however, is slopping out. A refurbishment completed earlier this year saw all cells installed with their own toilet.
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