Backlash over plans to house 300 asylum seekers at Inverness barracks

2 hours ago Share Save Steven McKenzie and Chris MacLennan, BBC Scotland News Share Save

Getty Images About 300 asylum seekers are expected to be housed at Cameron Barracks in phases

Concerns have been raised about "community cohesion" after it emerged that a military base in Inverness has been earmarked to temporarily house about 300 asylum seekers. BBC News understands that Cameron Barracks and an East Sussex army training camp will be used to house a total of about 900 men by the end of the month. Both the Scottish government and three senior Highland councillors have highlighted concerns about the plans to the Home Office. In a joint statement, the councillors said: "Our main concern is the impact this proposal will have on community cohesion given the scale of the proposals as they currently stand."

"Inverness is a relatively small community but the potential impact locally and across the wider Highlands appears not to have been taken into consideration by the UK government," they added. Scotland's Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish government had urged the Home Office to work closely with Highland Council. A UK government minister said the move would allow them to close asylum hotels at a faster rate.

Cameron Barracks is a 140-y