Military veterans kicked out of barracks to make room for hundreds of asylum seekers

A group of veterans has been told it must vacate a Scottish barracks in order to make way for accommodation for asylum seekers.

The Cameron Barracks Regimental Association, made up of veterans with ties to the site and local military units, has recently been informed that it must leave the site in Inverness.

The site in the Highlands city will be used to house around 300 male migrants, with the first numbers arriving next month.

However, there has been backlash with nearby residents expressing concern about safety ahead of the move.

It has also sparked anger among veterans, who say the barracks are a symbol of Highland military heritage.

The site is also seen as a valued meeting place for the Cameron Barracks Regimental Association.

Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain said: "It’s deeply disappointing that veterans of the Queen’s Own Highlanders are being forced out of their historic base to make way for this ill-thought-out plan. These are men and women who have served our country with distinction and deserve far better treatment.

"Highlanders have always shown compassion to those in need, but this decision again highlights the lack of consultation and planning from both the SNP Government and the Home Office."

Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire MP Angus MacDonald, who served in the Falklands and Northern Ireland with the Queen’s Own Highlanders, told the Press and Journal: "Three Scots family quarters adjoin the site.

"There is considerable unease in the camp with the soldiers being deployed next year."

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