Plan to house 300 asylum seekers at Inverness barracks delayed

The expected arrival of 300 male asylum seekers at an Inverness army barracks has been delayed because the Home Office says it does not want to rush things.

Highland Council leaders have been pressing for more information and consultation about the process after complaining that their questions had been ignored by the UK Government.

In a statement on Friday, the Home Office said it was “furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels”.

It said it was “continuing to accelerate plans” to move people to Cameron Barracks and to a military base at Crowborough in East Sussex once sites “are fully operational and safe”.

It added: “We will not replicate the mistakes of the past where rushed plans led to unsafe and chaotic situations”.

Highlands & Islands

Council calls for Home Secretary to provide ‘urgent clarity’ over asylum barracks

Highland councillors discussed the Cameron Barracks proposal during an emergency meeting.

Council leader Raymond Bremner initially wrote to the Home Secretary at the end of October.

He sent a further letter on November 14, backed by council convener Bill Lobban and opposition group leader Alasdair Christie, outlining various concerns and requesting a meeting with the Home Office. They say no response to the second letter was received.

Highlands & Islands

Asylum seekers’ move to barracks faces delay over £1.3m refurbishment

Two contracts put out for tender last week show 12 buildings at the barracks will be worked on, including asbestos removal.

Councillor Bremner said: “We need meaningful engagement from the Home Office to be able to plan effectively, ensure the right support is in place and address valid community concerns.

“Despite repeated attempts, the Home Office has failed to provide a detailed plan, reassurance on how the site will be managed to minimise impact on the local community or commit to a public meeting, which is extremely disappointing.”

He added: “We also have no clarity on funding arrangements. We will write again to insist on meaningful engagement.”

A multi-agency partnership involving the council, emergency services, Scottish Government, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Home Office has met weekly to plan for the arrival of asylum seekers.

However, the council maintains that “key questions remain unanswered by the Home Office”.

Councillor Bremner stressed that Highland has “a strong record of supporting and welcoming asylum seekers and refugees,” and urged people “to continue to show tolerance, compassion, and humanity”.

More than 12,000 people have backed an online petition against the decision to temporarily house asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks.

Campaigners on both sides of the debate staged a simultaneous protest in Inverness city centre a fortnight ago.