The fugitives from Castle Huntly, near Longforgan, and Noranside, between Forfar and Brechin, include murderers and others convicted of violent robberies, drugs and firearms offences.

Some have been missing for more than a year.

This has prompted MSP Margaret Mitchell to write to the Executive demanding that people should not automatically progress to an open prison.

However, the Scottish Prison Service said it would not be specifically reviewing the system — which generally involves long-term inmates serving their final year.

A prison service spokesman said, “We continually review the criteria.

“The situation is that a prisoner can be in the open estate a year prior to their parole qualifying date, providing they have taken steps we deem appropriate to address their offending behaviour.”

The SPS confirmed there had been 59 abscondees from open jails since April 1 last year.

Sixteen are at large, while there are a handful of others missing for more than a year.

The SPS also confirmed the disappearance of 40-year-old Dundee man Charles Clark, who was convicted of assault in January, 2003.

The service said it was “regrettable” some prisoners had failed to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them and they are now likely to face a further period in custody in a closed prison when they are traced.

While it was stressed none of the inmates is considered a danger to the public, this assessment was made at the time of transfer to an open establishment.

The potential hazards were highlighted in 2004 when an escapee from Castle Huntly carried out a series of armed robberies in Dundee before being traced by police.

Earlier this month an inmate, who escaped from the jail and broke into a house in Longforgan, was sentenced to community service.

Conservative justice spokeswoman, Margaret Mitchell, told the Tele she was “shocked and appalled” so many inmates were at large.

“I have written to Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson today reminding her the maintenance of law and order and the protection of the public is the first duty of government.

“I want to know what measures she is taking to improve security at the open prisons.

“Are people just being automatically sent to open prisons rather than earning it?

“People should only progress to an open prison when they are ready to and not automatically at a certain stage of their sentence.

“It seems very much like a review is required, and we will have to see what the Minister's response to this is.”

Politicians have also suggested a review of the rules should include consideration of releasing photographs of fugitives to assist police.

Mrs Mitchell added, “I also want to know why it doesn’t appear to be a priority to apprehend these people.

“We’re not talking about breaches of the peace here, but convicted killers.

“The other aspect to this is I’m puzzled by chief constables appearing to be taking the decision not to publish photographs of prisoners who have absconded.

“There may well be cases where there is a good reason, but I would expect that to be the exception.

Tayside Police, the force which covers the two prisons, said today photos of abscondees were issued when it was considered to be in the public interest.

A spokesman said, “Our officers are working in conjunction with other forces in Scotland in an effort to trace those prisoners who have absconded.

”Whether to release a prisoner’s photograph is considered on a case by case basis.

“Discussions will take place between the police, the Scottish Prison Service, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and, where it is considered to be in the public interest, a photograph will be issued along with an appeal for information.”