‘Highlands in revolt’ over eviction of veterans from barracks to make way for 300 refugees
In the heart of Inverness, a storm brews as war veterans and locals unite against a controversial plan that could change the face of their historic community.
Anti-migration and counter-protesters faced off in Inverness at the weekend (Image: Northpix)
Angry locals and sickened war veterans have joined forces to protest against plans to evict war heroes from their historic base in Scotland to make way for 300 male asylum seekers.
The Queens Own Highlanders Regimental Association, currently based at Cameron Barracks in Inverness, will be relocated as part of the Home Office’s proposal to convert the site into asylum accommodation by the end of the month.
In a surprising move, SNP-led Highland Council has come out fighting against the proposal, arguing that the base’s location is “inappropriate” and risks “community cohesion” – a stark contrast to the party’s usual rhetoric around immigration and asylum.
Protests mirror situation in East Sussex town
The Highlands revolt is mirrored by the situation in the town of Crowborough in East Sussex, which has seen a series of protests over the prospect of 600 single men being housed in a nearby army training camp.
A march on Sunday was attended by 2,000 people and followed an angry public meeting where local politicians were shouted at and chased out of the community centre hall on Thursday night.
Residents install panic alarms amid safety fears and GP concerns
Residents said they have already installed panic alarms in their homes amid safety fears, while others raised concerns about 600 extra people registering with local GPs at a time appointments are already hard to come by.
Hundreds of anti-migration and counter-protesters faced off in Inverness at the weekend amid growing tension over plans for Cameron Barracks. There were about 200 campaigners on both sides at the demonstration’s peak as they gathered on Inverness High Street on Saturday, with many coming from other parts of Scotland.
Isabelle MacKenzie, Conservative Councillor for the Millburn area where the Barracks are based, said: “Inverness has never seen anything like this. And I believe this is just the beginning.”
Saltires were flying high as protesters chanted through megaphones and blared sirens. “Send them home, send them home, send them home” was belted out over megaphones by the organisers of the “Inverness Against Illegal Migrant Barracks” event.
Anti-migration and counter-protesters faced off amid growing tension over Cameron Barracks (Image: -)
Veterans express concerns over government support for illegal immigrants
Charlie MacIvor, 68, proudly displayed his “HM Armed Forces” badge on his lapel. The Inverness resident served 25 years in the Queen’s Own Highlanders and the Royal Corps of Transport.
He said: “I am totally against this. Why are they sending all these people into Army barracks? A wee place like Inverness can’t cope with an influx of that number of people.”
Graham Cameron, 66, a veteran of the Royal Air Force, was more direct. He demanded: “Veterans who are homeless don’t get any support from this Government – why give it to illegal immigrants? I believe we should be helping our own people first.
“I am not far-right but I would like to invite Keir Starmer and John Swinney to come up here and talk to us face-to-face”.
Cameron Barracks, a 140-year-old army recruitment base near the city centre, has previously been used to house Afghan families.
