Plans to house hundreds of asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks in Inverness have been scrapped, ending a controversial proposal that faced significant local opposition. The decision was announced after months of delays and criticism of the Home Office's approach to managing asylum claims.
Opponents of the plan hailed the cancellation as a "victory for common sense." Concerns had been raised that housing an estimated 300 men at the military base would strain local services, which were already reportedly stretched. Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle stated that the barracks were "entirely the wrong site" and that the influx of people would negatively impact the city.
Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald confirmed he was informed by Labour's border security and asylum MP Alex Norris that the idea had been ditched. MacDonald attributed the outcome to the strong feelings expressed by residents and military families connected to Cameron Barracks, as well as the Highland Council's insistence on the Home Office complying with licensing requirements for houses in multiple occupation (HMO).
The proposal to use Cameron Barracks, located less than a mile from Raigmore Primary School and a short walk from the city center, was revealed last October. This followed the UK government's decision to cease using hotels for individuals awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. Locals had previously expressed anxieties about the potential impact on their community from such a large influx of people.
Max Bannerman, Reform UK's MSP for the Highlands and Islands, described the scrapping of the plans as a "welcome victory for common sense," adding that "decisions of this scale should not be imposed on communities without their consent."
A petition against the plan, initiated in October, had gathered nearly 13,000 signatures.
Highland Council convener Bill Lobban had previously stated that the council had not yet received an application for an HMO license, despite the Home Office announcing its intention to use the barracks nine months prior. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley Anne Somerville noted that the UK government had not adequately addressed questions regarding the site's suitability. She stated that while Scotland has a history of welcoming refugees, future plans must be practical, proportionate, and developed in collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders.