There were two major disturbances in the space of a week

Justice Minister Jim Wallace said the 430 staff at the maximum security jail in Lanarkshire were being recognised for their "outstanding" work.

There were two disturbances at Shotts within a week in January, which resulted in the minister promising to prioritise staff safety.

Three officers were stabbed during trouble at the jail and one officer broke his leg during a 19-hour siege, involving 80 prisoners, a week earlier.

To pick out individuals when there were so many heroes would be wrong Justice Minister Jim Wallace

Addressing a reception at Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday evening, the minister said staff had worked tremendously in difficult circumstances.

He said: "To pick out individuals when there were so many heroes would be wrong."

Mr Wallace told guests that prisoners at the jail took part in "concerted indiscipline" at the jail in December and January.

"It was the skill, professionalism and bravery of Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff that brought it under control.

'Good order'

"That it was not worse was down to the outstanding way the officers responded."

Mr Wallace said £110m investment would help produce conditions for staff and prisoners "fit for the 21st century".

He praised the work of staff education and rehabilitation programmes which aim to help inmates.

However, he said "custody and good order" must always be the main priority.

"I and my ministerial colleagues deplore violence by prisoners. Let's not beat about the bush - the people many of you have to deal with, day in and day out are some of Scotland's most dangerous people.

Inmates left the jail with a £1m repair bill

"There can be no excuse whatsoever for violent behaviour towards prison officers who undertake their duty on our behalf."

Mr Wallace held "constructive" talks with the head of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to discuss January's unrest which left the jail with a £1m repair bill.

The prison's A Hall, which sustained the worst damage, is not expected to be ready to re-house prisoners until late March.

The 115 inmates previously housed in A Hall were transferred to five other jails.

Mr Wallace said that the refurbishment of Shotts' A-Hall would include improved security arrangements.