‘Unanswered questions’ on use of Highland barracks for asylum seekers, Scottish Government says

The Home Office has left the Scottish Government with “unanswered questions” over the use of former military barracks for asylum seekers, it is claimed.

News about plans for Cameron Barracks in Inverness broke last week. Scottish ministers said they found out through the media and Highland Council leaders criticised the UK Government’s handling of the decision.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Scotland’s social justice secretary, has now met with UK asylum minister Alex Norris about the matter.

But she says the talks ended without clarity on the cost to local services.

The Home Office plans to accommodate around 300 men at the disused military site, pending a £1m refit to bring it back up to habitable standards.

The Scottish Government has raised concerns about the impact on GPs and other services in the area. The Home Office has said the accommodation will be “self-sufficient” and will meet all the needs of those to be temporarily housed there, rather than the burden falling on local services. However, asylum seekers would be free to leave the city centre site if they wished.

Last week Somerville told the Scottish Parliament she was seeking reassurance that a “full wraparound” service will be provided for the asylum seekers to prevent pressure falling on local practices.

Today she said she is still looking for answers. In a statement, she said: “I was disappointed to still be left with unanswered questions following a meeting with Alex Norris on the Home Office’s plans to use Cameron Barracks to house people seeking asylum.

“I have asked for urgent clarification from the UK Government on the impact on health, policing and other local services as we have not received the reassurances needed that there won’t be an increase in costs for services in the area.

“The Home Office must provide urgent clarity to stop the spread of disinformation amongst communities in Inverness.

“Scotland welcomes refugees and people seeking asylum but it is vital that the Home Office provides clear communication and reassurances on the impact on local services.”

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.

Speaking in the Commons last week, Norris said: “We are clear that impact on communities will be minimised. The safety and security of people living and working in the surrounding areas is paramount.”