City Centre Brought to a Standstill in Immigration Protest
The historic Highland capital of Inverness, a city whose motto champions 'harmony and faithfulness', found itself at the centre of a modern-day conflict that brought its streets to a complete standstill. On a stunning November afternoon, the usual bustle of early Christmas shoppers was replaced by the sounds of a furious public demonstration. Hundreds of local residents, mixed with sickened war veterans, gathered on the High Street to voice their vehement opposition to a government plan to house over 300 asylum seekers in the nearby Cameron Barracks.
Veterans and Locals Unite in Anger
The protest, organised by the group 'Inverness Against Illegal Migrant Barracks', saw passionate speeches and loud chants of 'Send them home' echoing through the city centre. The gathering marked the first official demonstration against Labour leader Keir Starmer's proposal, a central part of the Home Office's strategy to empty the UK's migrant hotels by requisitioning the Victorian military encampment for those who have arrived via small boats.
Isabelle MacKenzie, the Conservative Councillor for the Millburn area where the barracks are located, stated unequivocally, 'Inverness has never seen anything like this. And I believe this is just the beginning.'
The human cost of the policy was made clear by the presence of veterans like 68-year-old Charlie MacIvor, who served 25 years in the Queen’s Own Highlanders and the Royal Corps of Transport. He questioned the logic, asking, '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, a 66-year-old Royal Air Force veteran, was more direct in his criticism, demanding to know why homeless veterans receive little support while resources are directed towards asylum seekers. 'I believe we should be helping our own people first,' he said, clarifying that his stance was not from the Far Right but from a place of deep concern for his community.
Council Concerns and a Nationwide Discontent
The local Highland Council has already formally raised concerns, questioning the selection of Cameron Barracks and demanding to see risk assessments and details on funding arrangements to prevent any 'detrimental impact' on local services. Reports indicate that more than £1 million is to be spent on refurbishing the barracks, including installing new boilers and removing dangerous asbestos.
The discontent is not isolated to Inverness. Connor Graham, a prominent figure in protests against a migrant hotel in Falkirk, travelled to join the demonstration, telling the crowd, 'You are showing Scotland what community spirit looks like. You are proving that ordinary people DO have a voice.'
For some, the issue strikes at the very heart of national pride. Chris Munro, a 40-year-old former lance corporal who served two tours in Iraq, expressed his disgust, travelling from Wick to attend. He remarked bitterly, 'People like me have fought for our country and you have to ask yourself what was the point? How could this country keep out the Germans for six years but can’t stop dinghies crossing the English Channel?'
As the protest dispersed, it was clear that this was merely the opening salvo. The Battle for Cameron Barracks has begun, and with the season of goodwill approaching, there appears to be little of it found in Inverness today.
