Dungavel campaigners call for an end to detention

The protest, organised by the group We Will Rise, brought together people from all across Scotland and included ex-detainees from Dungavel, asylum seekers and refugees.

Speeches were made by people who had experienced detention, who called for the centre to be closed down.

Campaigner Sally Martinez, who was herself detained in Dungavel, said: “We believe we can end detention in Scotland, to see so many people here is really inspiring.

“The costs of detention are too great, it has a human cost, a financial cost and a moral cost.

“Dungavel’s time is up.”

In a reflection of the growing movement against immigration detention, more than 15 detention centres around the UK and several across Europe saw demonstrations as part of a Transnational Day Against Detention.

The protests aim to pressure governments to close the centres and do more tosupport asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants.

Campaigner and former detained person, Sonny Adisa who was at the protest said: “Not only is the system racist and inhumane, but it’s illogical too.

“Scotland needs immigration, yet its spending public money on locking people up that could contribute to society.”

Dungavel has attracted controversy since its establishment in 2001.

The Shaw Review, an independent review commissioned by Westminster this year, specifically raised concerns about Dungavel – over substandard accommodation and the damaging use of indefinite detention.