Kirstin Anderson
@kir-anderson.bsky.social
Lecturer in Criminology at Edinburgh Napier University. I'm interested in education in prisons, arts and justice, public health and criminal justice and prison abolition. Ask me about prisoner made magazines.(Embroidery image in banner by Sarah K. Benning)
Pinned
The Barlinnie Special Unit - Waterside Press
A definitive retrospective and the first detailed history/analysis of the Barlinnie Special Unit. A supreme record of an ‘iconic’ social experiment.
www.watersidepress.co.uk
Very excited to announce a book that’s been a long time in the making, ‘The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Innovation and Punishment’ @watersidepress.bsky.social
www.watersidepress.co.uk/books/barlin...
www.watersidepress.co.uk/books/barlin...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
In a popular talk in the Edinburgh University Futures Institute, The Barlinnie Special Unit editor, Kirstin Anderson, took part in a joint session with poet Lady Unchained. More photos and full report available on our website.
https://loom.ly/80su9j4
#books #edbookfest #barlinnie #prison
https://loom.ly/80su9j4
#books #edbookfest #barlinnie #prison
September 11, 2025 at 7:48 AM
In a popular talk in the Edinburgh University Futures Institute, The Barlinnie Special Unit editor, Kirstin Anderson, took part in a joint session with poet Lady Unchained. More photos and full report available on our website.
https://loom.ly/80su9j4
#books #edbookfest #barlinnie #prison
https://loom.ly/80su9j4
#books #edbookfest #barlinnie #prison
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
Another excellent @europeangroup.bsky.social conference this year in Malmö: programme packed with critical and radical voices and clear commitment in support of Palestine. Grateful for the kind and attentive audience listening to my and @dinesson.bsky.social's paper on zemiology of counterterrorism
September 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Another excellent @europeangroup.bsky.social conference this year in Malmö: programme packed with critical and radical voices and clear commitment in support of Palestine. Grateful for the kind and attentive audience listening to my and @dinesson.bsky.social's paper on zemiology of counterterrorism
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
Our colleague Dr @kir-anderson.bsky.social was discussing her recent book "The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Punishment and Innovation", the first detailed analysis of a unique time in the history of Scottish prisons. The book is available here: www.watersidepress.co.uk/books/barlin... #EdBookFest
August 19, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Our colleague Dr @kir-anderson.bsky.social was discussing her recent book "The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Punishment and Innovation", the first detailed analysis of a unique time in the history of Scottish prisons. The book is available here: www.watersidepress.co.uk/books/barlin... #EdBookFest
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
What an event. Riveting personal stories, poetry and scholarship. The redemptive power of arts is mistakable. Thank you to @edbookfest.bsky.social @kir-anderson.bsky.social @noellecobden.bsky.social @lady_unchained
Packed room for the "Unlocking the arts" event at the Edinburgh Book Festival this afternoon, with the wonderful Kirstin Anderson and Lady Unchained discussing art, incarceration, and how to think of possible ways forward to both mitigate and prevent the harms of criminalisation.
August 19, 2025 at 1:31 PM
What an event. Riveting personal stories, poetry and scholarship. The redemptive power of arts is mistakable. Thank you to @edbookfest.bsky.social @kir-anderson.bsky.social @noellecobden.bsky.social @lady_unchained
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
Packed room for the "Unlocking the arts" event at the Edinburgh Book Festival this afternoon, with the wonderful Kirstin Anderson and Lady Unchained discussing art, incarceration, and how to think of possible ways forward to both mitigate and prevent the harms of criminalisation.
August 18, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Packed room for the "Unlocking the arts" event at the Edinburgh Book Festival this afternoon, with the wonderful Kirstin Anderson and Lady Unchained discussing art, incarceration, and how to think of possible ways forward to both mitigate and prevent the harms of criminalisation.
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
1. I'm chuffed that my paper with Families, Relationships and Societies @brisunipress.bsky.social is featured in the journal’s Editors Choice Collection! This is very much a first for me. The publisher is offering free access until 31st Oct: bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/subject/Edit...
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:29 AM
1. I'm chuffed that my paper with Families, Relationships and Societies @brisunipress.bsky.social is featured in the journal’s Editors Choice Collection! This is very much a first for me. The publisher is offering free access until 31st Oct: bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/subject/Edit...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
Click on the link below to find out more about this publication, the colleagues who authored it, and Edinburgh Napier University's track record of excellence in criminological research:
www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/new...
www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/new...
August 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Click on the link below to find out more about this publication, the colleagues who authored it, and Edinburgh Napier University's track record of excellence in criminological research:
www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/new...
www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/new...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
🧑⚖️ | The first book in a decade to focus entirely on Scotland’s criminal justice system has been published.
Learn more about Criminal Justice in Scotland ⤵️
Story ➡️ orlo.uk/zWH3F
#MustBeNapier | @socscinapier.bsky.social
Learn more about Criminal Justice in Scotland ⤵️
Story ➡️ orlo.uk/zWH3F
#MustBeNapier | @socscinapier.bsky.social
August 5, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🧑⚖️ | The first book in a decade to focus entirely on Scotland’s criminal justice system has been published.
Learn more about Criminal Justice in Scotland ⤵️
Story ➡️ orlo.uk/zWH3F
#MustBeNapier | @socscinapier.bsky.social
Learn more about Criminal Justice in Scotland ⤵️
Story ➡️ orlo.uk/zWH3F
#MustBeNapier | @socscinapier.bsky.social
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
And today’s publication day!
Massive thanks to my lovely @socscinapier.bsky.social co-authors, Jamie Buchan & @kmmorrison.bsky.social - and to everyone who helped by reviewing chapters, answering queries or chatting to us about their work.
www.routledge.com/Criminal-Jus...
Massive thanks to my lovely @socscinapier.bsky.social co-authors, Jamie Buchan & @kmmorrison.bsky.social - and to everyone who helped by reviewing chapters, answering queries or chatting to us about their work.
www.routledge.com/Criminal-Jus...
Criminal Justice in Scotland
Providing a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the contemporary Scottish criminal justice system, this book focuses on its key processes (from arrest to post-sentence) and institutions, as w...
www.routledge.com
August 4, 2025 at 8:41 AM
And today’s publication day!
Massive thanks to my lovely @socscinapier.bsky.social co-authors, Jamie Buchan & @kmmorrison.bsky.social - and to everyone who helped by reviewing chapters, answering queries or chatting to us about their work.
www.routledge.com/Criminal-Jus...
Massive thanks to my lovely @socscinapier.bsky.social co-authors, Jamie Buchan & @kmmorrison.bsky.social - and to everyone who helped by reviewing chapters, answering queries or chatting to us about their work.
www.routledge.com/Criminal-Jus...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
We're working to end the detention of people on IPP and 'two-strike' prison sentences. Find out why thousands of people are still in prison serving sentences that were abolished many years ago: howardleague.org/wha...
The Howard League | What are IPP sentences?
What are IPP sentences? An explainer by the Howard League for Penal Reform.
howardleague.org
July 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We're working to end the detention of people on IPP and 'two-strike' prison sentences. Find out why thousands of people are still in prison serving sentences that were abolished many years ago: howardleague.org/wha...
What an honour! I'm so thankful to the Royal Society of Edinburgh for this opportunity and to my Napier team for all the support!
We are incredibly proud to announce that our talented colleague @kir-anderson.bsky.social has been awarded a prestigious RSE Personal Research Fellowship for her research project on harm, history, and memory in Scottish prisons 👏
July 23, 2025 at 8:39 PM
What an honour! I'm so thankful to the Royal Society of Edinburgh for this opportunity and to my Napier team for all the support!
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
NEW #textbook on Criminal Justice in #Scotland by me & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social @socscinapier.bsky.social colleagues, Jamie Buchan and @kmmorrison.bsky.social, out on 4th Aug. Until the 1st it's £8 off in the Routledge sale: www.routledge.com/Criminal-Jus...
Criminal Justice in Scotland
Providing a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the contemporary Scottish criminal justice system, this book focuses on its key processes (from arrest to post-sentence) and institutions, as w...
www.routledge.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:35 PM
NEW #textbook on Criminal Justice in #Scotland by me & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social @socscinapier.bsky.social colleagues, Jamie Buchan and @kmmorrison.bsky.social, out on 4th Aug. Until the 1st it's £8 off in the Routledge sale: www.routledge.com/Criminal-Jus...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
‘Unlocking the Arts' a discussion with Kirstin Anderson at Edinburgh International Book Festival this August. Tickets available now - find out more: https://loom.ly/t2XrGPc
#EdBookFest #Barlinnie #prisons #books @edbookfest.bsky.social
#EdBookFest #Barlinnie #prisons #books @edbookfest.bsky.social
June 24, 2025 at 4:48 PM
‘Unlocking the Arts' a discussion with Kirstin Anderson at Edinburgh International Book Festival this August. Tickets available now - find out more: https://loom.ly/t2XrGPc
#EdBookFest #Barlinnie #prisons #books @edbookfest.bsky.social
#EdBookFest #Barlinnie #prisons #books @edbookfest.bsky.social
Screening of Holloway this Sunday at the Cameo in Edinburgh, followed with a Q&A with co-director Sophie Compton. Looks like an important film! 'Women are powerful, when they find their voice.' Hope to see you there! withhttps://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00016374/holloway-q-a?filter=
Holloway + Q&A | Showtimes and Tickets
Six women return to the now abandoned Holloway Prison to take part in a women’s circle. Sharing some of the most intimate experiences of their lives, they each unravel what led them to prison, b...
www.picturehouses.com
June 24, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Screening of Holloway this Sunday at the Cameo in Edinburgh, followed with a Q&A with co-director Sophie Compton. Looks like an important film! 'Women are powerful, when they find their voice.' Hope to see you there! withhttps://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00016374/holloway-q-a?filter=
I’m very excited to be at @edbookfest.bsky.social to discuss the Barlinnie Special Unit in a panel with #LadyUnchained Their poetry collection ‘Behind Bars’ should not be missed! Come join us and @noellecobden.bsky.social for a discussion on arts and imprisonment www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
Kirstin Anderson & Lady Unchained: Unlocking the Arts
From Mon 18 Aug - Cultural experiences are a proven springboard for positive change and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. Yet, despite numerous interventions over the last 50 years, arts ...
www.edbookfest.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 11:06 AM
I’m very excited to be at @edbookfest.bsky.social to discuss the Barlinnie Special Unit in a panel with #LadyUnchained Their poetry collection ‘Behind Bars’ should not be missed! Come join us and @noellecobden.bsky.social for a discussion on arts and imprisonment www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
"Kirstin Anderson opened by pulling no punches". I have zero trouble believing that! As always, here's @kir-anderson.bsky.social taking hard questions head on and leading exactly the kind of conversation we should be having about prisons: about social harms, academic pavidity, and lessons unlearned.
Many thanks to @joesmithcreative.bsky.social for an excellent write up of our session at the Paisley Book Festival last month paisleybookfestival.com/blog-buildin...
Blog: Building Hope: Art, Architecture, and the Possibility of Abolition - Paisley Book Festival
Dr Kirstin Anderson, lecturer in criminology at Edinburgh Napier University, and Professor Yvonne Jewkes, one of the
paisleybookfestival.com
May 16, 2025 at 10:54 AM
"Kirstin Anderson opened by pulling no punches". I have zero trouble believing that! As always, here's @kir-anderson.bsky.social taking hard questions head on and leading exactly the kind of conversation we should be having about prisons: about social harms, academic pavidity, and lessons unlearned.
Many thanks to @joesmithcreative.bsky.social for an excellent write up of our session at the Paisley Book Festival last month paisleybookfestival.com/blog-buildin...
Blog: Building Hope: Art, Architecture, and the Possibility of Abolition - Paisley Book Festival
Dr Kirstin Anderson, lecturer in criminology at Edinburgh Napier University, and Professor Yvonne Jewkes, one of the
paisleybookfestival.com
May 16, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Many thanks to @joesmithcreative.bsky.social for an excellent write up of our session at the Paisley Book Festival last month paisleybookfestival.com/blog-buildin...
Wow! Thank you @inquest-org.bsky.social for putting together an incredible and sobering resource.
✨NEW DIGITAL ARCHIVE
Our brand new digital archive documents state violence, death and resistance in the UK since 1981. Come and explore over 40 years of fighting for justice through sound, image and print.
Please visit & share history.inquest.org.uk
Our brand new digital archive documents state violence, death and resistance in the UK since 1981. Come and explore over 40 years of fighting for justice through sound, image and print.
Please visit & share history.inquest.org.uk
May 7, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Wow! Thank you @inquest-org.bsky.social for putting together an incredible and sobering resource.
Working with Prison Reading Groups @prg-uk.bsky.social is honestly the best volunteer experience I've ever had. They are a great organisation that truly works to get books in the hands of people in prison; I'm so thankful for them. Read their most recent report to find out more about their work. 📚📚📚
Becca Bashford spent over a year working with us on an evaluation and impact study of the work of Prison Reading Groups.
We were so excited to present the findings at a launch event at the the House of Lords last month.
Read the full report here: prisonreadinggroups.org.uk 📑
#prisonreadinggroups
We were so excited to present the findings at a launch event at the the House of Lords last month.
Read the full report here: prisonreadinggroups.org.uk 📑
#prisonreadinggroups
May 7, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Working with Prison Reading Groups @prg-uk.bsky.social is honestly the best volunteer experience I've ever had. They are a great organisation that truly works to get books in the hands of people in prison; I'm so thankful for them. Read their most recent report to find out more about their work. 📚📚📚
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
Major new report out today from SCCJR on the number of deaths in custody.
❗️Prison deaths in Scotland have surged to 64 in the last year.
bit.ly/deaths-in-cu...
Watch this short video to find out the key stats👇
❗️Prison deaths in Scotland have surged to 64 in the last year.
bit.ly/deaths-in-cu...
Watch this short video to find out the key stats👇
April 29, 2025 at 6:07 AM
Major new report out today from SCCJR on the number of deaths in custody.
❗️Prison deaths in Scotland have surged to 64 in the last year.
bit.ly/deaths-in-cu...
Watch this short video to find out the key stats👇
❗️Prison deaths in Scotland have surged to 64 in the last year.
bit.ly/deaths-in-cu...
Watch this short video to find out the key stats👇
I'm very excited to share our book 'The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Punishment and Innovation' at the Paisley Book Festival on 27 April in Paisley Town Hall in an event with Prof @yvonnejewkes.bsky.social, chaired by the incredible Lorna Callery. Join us! paisleybookfestival.com/programme/bu...
Building Hope: Art, Architecture, and Criminal Justice - Paisley Book Festival
Sunday 27th April, 10-11am
paisleybookfestival.com
March 19, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I'm very excited to share our book 'The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Punishment and Innovation' at the Paisley Book Festival on 27 April in Paisley Town Hall in an event with Prof @yvonnejewkes.bsky.social, chaired by the incredible Lorna Callery. Join us! paisleybookfestival.com/programme/bu...
Having seen the incredible amount of work and care that went into the design of this MSc behind the scenes (I'm looking at you @frasoliman.bsky.social), I can tell you; it's going to be great! Come study #criminology with us at @edinburghnapier.bsky.social
The MSc Crime and Justice in Practice focuses on real-world practice in criminal, restorative, and transformative justice, and will help you develop a critical understanding of the role and impact of applied justice policy and research.
#criminology
www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-...
#criminology
www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-...
Crime and Justice in Practice
At Edinburgh Napier University, we nurture talent and create knowledge that shapes communities all around the world.
www.napier.ac.uk
March 7, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Having seen the incredible amount of work and care that went into the design of this MSc behind the scenes (I'm looking at you @frasoliman.bsky.social), I can tell you; it's going to be great! Come study #criminology with us at @edinburghnapier.bsky.social
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
Utterly delighted to see this MSc out in the world after so much hard work went into its design. Come study #criminology (and #zemiology) with us at @edinburghnapier.bsky.social, you couldn't find a better team than the outstanding scholars and educators I have the pleasure of calling my colleagues
The MSc Crime and Justice in Practice focuses on real-world practice in criminal, restorative, and transformative justice, and will help you develop a critical understanding of the role and impact of applied justice policy and research.
#criminology
www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-...
#criminology
www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-...
Crime and Justice in Practice
At Edinburgh Napier University, we nurture talent and create knowledge that shapes communities all around the world.
www.napier.ac.uk
March 7, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Utterly delighted to see this MSc out in the world after so much hard work went into its design. Come study #criminology (and #zemiology) with us at @edinburghnapier.bsky.social, you couldn't find a better team than the outstanding scholars and educators I have the pleasure of calling my colleagues
Excited to give a SASO guest lecture on the Barlinnie Special Unit tomorrow evening, 4 March 2025, at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, 17:30, free, open to all interested and no registration needed @socscinapier.bsky.social www.sastudyoffending.org.uk/attachments/...
www.sastudyoffending.org.uk
March 3, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Excited to give a SASO guest lecture on the Barlinnie Special Unit tomorrow evening, 4 March 2025, at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, 17:30, free, open to all interested and no registration needed @socscinapier.bsky.social www.sastudyoffending.org.uk/attachments/...
Reposted by Kirstin Anderson
An insight into real world practice as our students heard statements from the Scottish Police Federation and GEOAmey on the impact of COVID-19 on their organisations. Thanks to @kir-anderson.bsky.social and @frasoliman.bsky.social for organising and @covid19inquiry.scot for a warm welcome.
On Monday, we were pleased to welcome Criminology, Policing and Social Sciences students from @edinburghnapier.bsky.social to the Inquiry's hearing suite.
The group were welcomed by our Chair, Lord Brailsford, and Chief Executive, Ian Duddy, and attended one of our impact hearings.
The group were welcomed by our Chair, Lord Brailsford, and Chief Executive, Ian Duddy, and attended one of our impact hearings.
February 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
An insight into real world practice as our students heard statements from the Scottish Police Federation and GEOAmey on the impact of COVID-19 on their organisations. Thanks to @kir-anderson.bsky.social and @frasoliman.bsky.social for organising and @covid19inquiry.scot for a warm welcome.