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Fresh clarity call over barracks asylum seeker plans

News imageGetty Images The outside gate at Cameron Barracks. An arched metal sign saying 'Cameron Barracks' sits above the main gate, which is attached to to the buildings by a brick wall. It's a clear sunny day. There are traffic cones outside the gate.Getty Images
The former military base was due to become operational late last year but, to date, no asylum seekers have arrived

Highland Council has renewed its calls for further discussions over plans to use Cameron Barracks in Inverness as a home for asylum seekers.

It follows a disagreement over the need for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence to accommodate up to 300 single men.

The local authority believes one would be necessary but the Home Office has disputed the need and said one was not required when it was previously used to house Afghan families.

The site near the town centre was due to become operational in November but, to date, no asylum seekers have arrived.

The Home Office said it was still assessing the feasibility of using Cameron Barracks for this type of use.

Plans to use the site to house asylum seekers first came to light in October.

A number of demonstrations have taken place since then, including opposing rallies outside the barracks in December.

One was organised by Highlands Against Hate, which supports refugees coming to Scotland, and another involved supporters of anti-illegal immigration group Peterhead United.

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