The new jail is being built on the site of the former Low Moss Prison.
Residents fear calling the facility HM Prison Bishopbriggs will stigmatise the town.

More than 320 people have signed a petition started by MP Jo Swinson opposing the 'working title'.

And another petition launched by Woodhill Residents' Group has been signed by around 350 people.

Ms Swinson said: "Local feeling on this issue could not be clearer. The name HM Prison Bishopbriggs must be dropped.

"The longer the Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Service go on ignoring the views of people in Bishopbriggs the bigger the scandal of this decision will get."

Ms Swinson has also raised the issue in the House of Commons.
She added: "Clearly no-one in Bishopbriggs wants the town to be known for its prison.

"The name Low Moss has served perfectly well for 40 years. Why change it now, especially against the wishes of the local community?"

Ms Swinson has also written to the Scottish Prison Service and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, and will be delivering petitions to every house in Bishopbriggs.

Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP David Whitton wrote to 1,000 residents living in the area closest to the prison. He received around 300 replies opposing the name change to HM Prison Bishopbriggs and passed them on to the Scottish Prison Service and Justice Secretary.

Mr Whitton said: "I've had a letter back from the chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service to say HM Prison Bishopbriggs is just the working title, it will be three years before the prison is built and there will be plenty of time to decide the name.

"However, I don't accept that. If it's a working title why can't they just call it HM Prison Low Moss?"

Donald Macdonald, chairman of Woodhill Residents' Group, has urged people to sign both petitions and write to the Scottish Prison Service to express their views.

He said: "I am delighted this issue has received such widespread support from the community, politicians and councillors."

Scottish Prison Service bosses say it could be three years before the name of the prison, which is expected to be built by summer 2011, is formally decided.

Anyone who would like to request a petition form from MP Jo Swinson can call her office on 0141 762 2209.

Woodhill Residents' Group have an on-line petition at www.woodhillresidentsgroup.org.uk

The Scottish Prison Service has also invited anyone with a view about the name to get in touch.
Write to: Scottish Prison Service Headquarters, Room 338, Calton House, 5 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh, EH12 9HW.