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The plan to accommodate asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks, a military site in the Highlands, appears set to face delays. The government intended to relocate approximately 300 men to the barracks near Inverness by late November as part of efforts to close asylum hotels across the UK. However, the Home Office has emphasized its priority is to avoid repeating past errors that led to unsafe and disorderly conditions, stating that individuals will be moved only when the facility is fully prepared and safe.
Cameron Barracks, a 140-year-old army base located close to Inverness city centre, was identified earlier this year as one of two possible sites for temporary housing of asylum seekers. In the past, the barracks served as accommodation for families fleeing Afghanistan. Another site, Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex, was also considered, with plans to receive asylum seekers as early as this month. The Home Office confirmed ongoing plans to hasten the relocation process but stressed safety concerns for local communities remain paramount.
A spokesperson from the Home Office expressed frustration over the high numbers of illegal migrants and the strain on asylum hotel accommodations. They described the use of large military bases as a key strategy to remove incentives that attract illegal migration to the UK. The spokesperson assured that efforts to transfer people to Cameron Barracks will continue once the site is fully ready and safe, highlighting ongoing collaboration with local officials during the transition.
The Home Office did not specify which previous “chaotic situations” influenced their cautious approach, but the summer saw widespread protests against the use of hotels for asylum seekers across the UK. Demonstrations took place in Scottish towns such as Perth, Aberdeenshire, and Falkirk, where tensions escalated, including an incident involving a brick thrown through a hotel window. Local authorities, including Highland Council, raised concerns about the scale of the plan and potential risks to public services and community safety. Council officials have since worked with multiple agencies, including NHS Highland and Police Scotland, meeting weekly to prepare for arrivals and ensure best practices are implemented
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