Advocates for Animals and the League Against Cruel Sports activists dressed up as some of the animals they say can get caught in the "cruel and unnecessary" snares.

But country sports supporters say snares are a vital component of the gamekeeper's toolkit in preserving game shooting – worth £240million per year.

They pledge to work with the Scottish Government "to secure long-term solutions that will address public concerns".

But the welfare groups say public opinion is against them.

An opinion poll commissioned by the League Against Cruel Sports last year found that the majority of the 1040 adults surveyed in Lothian and Borders believed using snares was against the law, with only 19 per cent knowing snares were legal.

They also found that 75 per cent of those questioned supported a ban on the devices.

Yesterday's protest in Galashiels' Market Square lasted for several hours.