Up to 120,000 mothers and babies were separated between the 1950s and 1970s because the women were not married. Mothers and adoptees from Forced Adoption Scotland have met with lawyers over the scandal.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon apologised last year for the practice, which took place in mother and baby homes run by councils, religious organisations and charities.

Campaigners say, however, that they have had almost no contact with the Scottish government since then.

Solicitor advocate Patrick McGuire, of Thompsons Solicitors, said legal teams had been working with counsel to act on behalf of the mothers and children.

Mr McGuire said: “What happened to these women and their children has to be one of the worst human rights abuses of our time. The dreadful consequences and effects of what was done to them are overwhelmingly in evidence today, despite the length of time that has passed.

“At the very least we believe they have a right to justice and compensation for the life-changing abuses imposed upon them. We believe they have a right to redress.

“And we are investigating the multi-generational side effects of the drugs given to these vulnerable young women with a view to taking legal action on their behalf.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “Medicine licensing is the responsibility of the UK government and any redress scheme on Stilbestrol would ultimately be a matter for them to consider.”