The asylum seekers were moved to the jail from Dungavel

It is understood that six male asylum seekers are currently being held at the jail.

Two of them, a Palestinian and a Russian, have sewn up their mouths and gone on hunger strike.

Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran, was among the protesters. She said that the detention of asylum seekers at the jail was outrageous.

She said: "When is the penny going to drop to the Scottish Executive that people do not go on hunger strike because they are interested in getting a job or a house?

"These people are fleeing terror, they are fleeing the threat of execution, and they are fleeing torture.

"They are very vulnerable people and our society should be giving them help and support.