The Scottish Prison Service has paused the movement of all transgender prisoners amid a row over violent offenders being housed in women's jails.
Tonight it was announced that transgender prisoners with a history of violence against women will not be locked up with other females behind bars, while Scotland’s Justice Secretary Keith Brown revealed an urgent review has been ordered.
It comes after reports suggesting volatile trangender woman Tiffany Scott - who stalked a 13-year-old girl while known as Andrew Burns - had had her request to move to a women's estate rubber stamped.
Earlier this week Nicola Sturgeon confirmed Isla Bryson will be caged in a men’s prison after being found guilty of two rapes carried out before she transitioned.
She is being segregated at Scotland's only all-women's prison, Cornton Vale, until her sentencing.
In a statement tonight, the Justice Secretary said the measures would be in place until the Scottish Prison Service completes a review of its management of trans prisoners.
Mr Brown said: "I understand the issue of any trans woman being convicted of violent and sexual offences is a highly emotive subject and 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 the measures I am about to highlight will offer reassurance in the ongoing ability of the prison service to manage trans individuals and ensure the safety of all prisoners.
"We must also never forget there are victims in these cases. My thoughts remain with them."
The first of the two rules introduced say no transgender person already in custody with any history of violence against women will be moved from the male to the female estate.
The second is says no newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner with a history of violence towards women will be placed in the female estate.
Mr Brown continued: "It is important to be clear, however, SPS policies have in no way been changed or impacted by the recent passing of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (which, in any event, is not yet in force).
"SPS have already been undertaking, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners, which is nearing completion
"In addition, an urgent lessons learned review has been instructed in relation to the case of Isla Bryson, with any learning to be applied immediately to existing transgender cases in the prison estate.
"The latter review will report to the CEO by Friday February 3."
The SPS confirmed the urgent review has begun and the movement of all transgender prisoners is being paused.
A spokesman said: "Our first concern is always, and remains, the health, safety, and wellbeing of all the people in our care, and that of our staff.
"We have very robust risk assessment processes, and a track record of keeping people safe, in often challenging circumstances.
"We have therefore paused the movement of all transgender individuals, until the review has been completed."
Meanwhile, the Conservatives accused the government of flip-flopping on the issue and called for the review to be completed quickly.
MSP Russell Findlay said: "After much dithering and flip-flopping, the SNP government has finally been shamed into doing the right thing.”
