Reported plans not to proceed with housing asylum seekers at Inverness barracks is in “best interests of the local community”, the Social Justice Secretary has said.
Shirley-Anne Somerville made the comments after reports that the proposed plans to house up to 300 asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks have been dropped.
Ms Somerville said the UK Government “failed to adequately” answer questions on the proposed plans.
She said: “The Scottish Government, together with partners including Highland Council and NHS Highland, repeatedly raised questions regarding the practical suitability of the site to provide adequate accommodation and support for this cohort of people seeking asylum, taking into account the anticipated pressure the proposal would create on local public services, particularly health services, and the impact on local community tensions.
The reported decision not to proceed is in the best interests of the local community and the people who would have been accommodated at the site
“The UK Government failed to adequately answer these questions.
“The reported decision not to proceed is in the best interests of the local community and the people who would have been accommodated at the site.
“Scotland has a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and faiths, including those seeking refuge and asylum from war and persecution.
“We will continue to co-operate fully with the UK Government on its plans to accommodate people seeking asylum, but going forward these plans must be practical and proportionate and – critically – be developed in meaningful collaboration with the Scottish Government, the relevant local authority and all relevant partners and stakeholders.”
The Home Office planned to house asylum seekers at the barracks as early as December 2025 but plans were delayed.
Highland Council raised concerns in February as it believed the barracks would need to be licensed as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).
In March, Highland Council said it had initial discussions with the Home Office on an HMO, but it had not received a licence application.
The UK Government has been approached for comment.