With its patinated green copper roof, cedar cladding, landscaped car park and flowerbeds outside, the centre contrasts starkly with the grim prison buildings behind. And at a cost of #700,000, it seems good value, with none of the funding coming from the public purse - only the Outward Trust and Saughton Prison itself. No uniforms are allowed inside - the visitor building is staffed entirely by volunteers from the Women's Royal Volunteer Service, which adds to the informal, relaxed atmosphere.

Hoskins is proud of his work at the prison, which contributed to his practice being named as Best Architects in Britain - the first time a Scottish company has won the award. "It's time for institutions like these - all over the country - to change," he says. "There's no need for these places to look like motorway service stations any more"