About

STIR is an arts magazine designed, written and produced by prisoners. The Editorial Board is based at HMP Shotts but the work contained in its pages comes from Barlinnie, Cornton Vale, Dumfries, Glenochil, Greenock and Low Moss, as well as Shotts.

STIR is different. From the outset the aim was to create an arts magazine that would stand comparison with its peers. In its pages you will find interviews with famous artists and writers, poems and stories, paintings and drawings and encouragement and information for those who want to get involved in arts projects in prison and on release. The Editorial Board strive to ensure that they are inclusive in their approach welcoming work from first time artists as well as those who are more experienced. The quality of the work in STIR is outstanding and has been recognised by the Koestler Trust and by the Scottish Magazine Awards in 2012.

STIR was also recognised by the Herald Society Awards which awarded it Education Initiative of 2013. The website has been developed to allow members of the public and families and friends of our contributors to see the work produced. We are keen to hear your views on STIR. You can send your comments via the contact page