It was estimated that up to 390 prisoners could have been released under the latest tranche, meaning 2.5 per cent of victims appear to have been made aware of an offender being released.

Shadow minister for victims and community safety Sharon Dowey criticised the “staggering” number of victims who were left completely unaware, and says the scheme remains “unfit for purpose”.

She added that it has repeatedly let down victims and says that any planned changes to the scheme recently announced must show some common sense and ensure victims are always notified about prisoners being released.

Scottish Conservative shadow minister for victims and community safety Sharon Dowey MSP said: “This flagship SNP scheme has woefully let down victims yet again.

“It is shameful that such a staggering number of victims were left in the dark while the SNP ploughed ahead and once again gave the green light to a mass early release of prisoners in recent weeks.

“Victims have been a total afterthought for soft-touch SNP ministers who have typically prioritised the needs of criminals instead.

“Their flagship Victim Notification Scheme is unfit for purpose. It should be as easy as possible for victims to sign up, and for them to be notified when dangerous criminals are being released, but SNP ministers have failed to fix these issues.

“Any planned changes to this scheme must finally show some common sense.

“SNP ministers must ensure that the Victim Notification Scheme always puts victims at its heart and guarantees they are fully aware of any offender being released, given that is their only plan to try and solve Scotland’s prison overcrowding crisis.”