There is to be a "pause" on transgender prisoners with a history of violence against women being placed in female jails in Scotland, it has been announced tonight.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown has also announced an "urgent review" into the case of Isla Bryson, who was convicted of raping two women before changing gender.
A public backlash greeted the news that Bryson had initially been remanded to Cornton Vale women's prison.
It was also revealed she had enrolled at Ayrshire College, where sickened students claim they were asked to strip off for beauty classes in front of the rapist.
Furious classmates have since been demanding answers from college bosses after transgender Bryson was convicted on Wednesday of brutal attacks while living as a man.
College bosses have denied all knowledge of Bryson's rape charges.
Further concerns were raised raised this weekend by the case of Tiffany Scott, previously known as a man called Andrew Burns, who had an application to move to a women's prison approved.
Justice Secretary Brown said the "urgent lessons learned review" into the Bryson case would be completed by Friday.
It will run alongside a wider review by the prison service which is already looking at its transgender policy.
Until that is completed, Mr Brown said:
- No transgender person already in custody with a history of violence against women will be moved from the male to female estate
- No newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner with any history of violence against women (including sexual offences) will be placed in the female estate.
Any exceptional cases will require the approval of Scottish ministers, he said.
Mr Brown confirmed: "I understand that the issue of any trans woman being convicted of violent and sexual offences is a highly emotive subject and that the public concern is understandable.
"As the first minister pointed out last week, we must not allow any suggestion to take root that trans women pose an inherent threat to women.
"Predatory men are the risk to women. However, as with any group in society, a small number of trans women will offend and be sent to prison.
"Therefore, I hope that the measures.... will offer reassurance in the ongoing ability of the prison service to manage trans individuals and ensure the safety of all prisoners."
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