Highland Council has confirmed that the UK Government intends to use Cameron Barracks in Inverness to house around 300 asylum seekers on a phased basis from early December 2025.
In a joint statement issued by Council Convenor Bill Lobban, Leader Raymond Bremner, and Opposition Leader Alasdair Christie, the local authority said it was informed of the decision by the Home Office only yesterday, 27 October.
The council said it understands the site will be used as transitional accommodation for up to twelve months, but stressed that Cameron Barracks is not owned by Highland Council or any of its local public sector partners.
The Home Office has been identified as the lead agency for the resettlement programme, with all decisions regarding the site made jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office.
According to the UK Government, the council will have no direct role in supporting asylum seekers once they arrive.
Council Leader Raymond Bremner said a letter had been sent last week to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, seeking clarification and additional information, but no response has yet been received.
The council is calling for greater transparency over how Inverness was selected ahead of other available locations, and for reassurance on how community cohesion will be supported given the scale of the proposal.
“The Highland Council has repeatedly sought written confirmation from the Home Office as to their plans,” the statement said.
“To date, we have not received a response.”
The UK Government has informed the council that accommodation at Cameron Barracks will be self-contained, with all necessary services provided on site.
The asylum seekers will be “non-detained,” meaning they are free to leave the site should they wish.
The government’s intention is to use the barracks for short-term accommodation before individuals are relocated to dispersed housing around the UK while awaiting the outcome of their asylum applications.
The Home Office has also confirmed that asylum claims will not be processed in Inverness, which the council believes could increase local disruption.
“Our main concern is the impact this proposal will have on community cohesion given the scale of the proposals as they currently stand,” the statement added.
“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.”
A Special Meeting of The Highland Council will be held on Thursday 6 November following the Communities and Place Committee, allowing members to discuss the UK Government’s plans in detail.
