Hundreds of campaigners have taken part in a protest calling for the closure of the Dungavel detention centre.

Organisers said around 400 people gathered outside the immigration centre in South Lanarkshire on Saturday to demand an end to the policy of detaining asylum seekers and migrants.

More than 15 detention centres around the UK and several across Europe were targeted by demonstrators as part of a national day of action.

At Dungavel, the protesters hit drums, whistles and held up banners reading "no one is illegal." A group called We Will Rise organised the demonstration.

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."

A Home Office spokesman said: "Detention is an important part of a firm but fair immigration system, helping to ensure that those with no right to remain in the UK are returned to their home country if they will not leave voluntarily.

"Decisions to detain individuals are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain justified and reasonable and, if necessary, they can be challenged through the courts.

"We are committed to treating all detainees with dignity and respect and take the welfare of detainees very seriously.

"Following an independent review by Stephen Shaw commissioned by the home secretary, the Government is taking forward three key reforms - introducing a new "adult at risk" concept into decision making on immigration detention, publishing a mental health action plan, and implementing a new approach to the case management of all those detained.

"We expect these reforms - and broader changes in legislation, policy and operational approaches, to lead to a reduction in the number of detainees and the length of time they spend in detention before removal."