Abstract:This paper was first delivered to a meeting of the Howard League in Scotland in March 1991. The Scottish tradition of imprisonment has always betrayed a healthy scepticism about the reforming value of imprisonment in itself, recognising that it is primarily a punishment which consists of the deprivation of liberty. The rehabilitation of the prisoner is likely to come about, if at all, as a result of personal change. Future recidivism is likely to be affected, positively or negatively, by external features, such as accommodation, support and employment. This realism has now been translated into a set of ideals. The challenge facing bodies such as The Howard League is to ensure that the Prison Service translates these fine ideals into fine deeds.