Taxpayers face a bill of more than £1million to revamp a Scots military barracks earmarked as accommodation for hundreds of asylum seekers.
The extraordinary price-tag for refurbishing the Inverness compound came to light amid a growing political row over the Home Office plans.
It will cover cleaning and redecorating 12 buildings at the 140-year-old Cameron Barracks, ahead of the expected arrival of 300 men from early December.
The Home Office has confirmed discussions are under way to use the barracks and an East Sussex army training camp for asylum seekers as part of efforts to move away from using hotels.
Last night former Army officer retired Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Crawford said: ‘Adding to the general dismay over the proposal to house over 300 migrants in Cameron Barracks in the centre of Inverness is the news that they are to receive a £1million refurbishment before the asylum seekers take occupation.
‘No-one can be unaware that the Ministry of Defence estate of both single-soldier accommodation and married quarters has become increasingly dilapidated over the past several years.
Cameron Barracks, in Inverness, will receive a £1.3 million makeover to house migrants
Highland council leader Raymond Bremner has raised concerns about the plans
‘Though renovation work is under way. there will be many who will feel – quite rightly in my opinion – that remedial work for our soldiers’ living arrangements should take precedence over temporary accommodation for migrants.’
Senior Highland councillors, the Scottish Government and local politicians have raised concerns about the suitability of the Inverness site, while refugee charity Care4Calais has also condemned the plan.
The plans have angered local residents who fear it will mean their ‘quiet and peaceful city’ will no longer be a ‘safe place for women and children’.
Yesterday Home Office minister Alex Norris claimed the security of local people was ‘paramount’. Saying that he recognised the strength of feeling towards the plans in the Highlands and East Sussex, he insisted that ‘local context was always considered’.
The minister said Cameron Barracks had previously successfully housed Afghan people resettled to the UK. But Angus MacDonald, Lib Dem MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, said the minister should halt the plan.
Home Office officials have tendered two refurbishment contracts totalling £1.3million.
William Yarwood of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: ‘This money should be spent on deporting those with no right to be here, not giving them refurbished accommodation.’
Highland Council, which is to discuss the plans at a meeting next week, was only informed on Monday.
Independent convener Bill Lobban, council leader and SNP councillor Raymond Bremner and opposition leader and Lib Dem councillor Alasdair Christie raised concerns. In a joint statement, they said: ‘Our main concern is the impact this proposal will have on community cohesion given the scale of the proposals as they currently stand.’
Fergus Ewing, independent MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said the council could take the Home Office to court.
Those opposed to the plans to house migrants in Cameron Barracks have warned the move has caused ‘considerable anger and anxiety’
The MSP also said if Mr Norris believes ‘a city centre location is so suitable, why has he not considered Central London – perhaps near Westminster’. A petition against the use of Cameron Barracks reached more than 6,000 signatures in hours.
The site is close to Raigmore Primary School, Millburn Academy, and Raigmore Community Centre, which hosts baby and toddler sessions.
Opponents say the move has caused ‘considerable anger and anxiety’ with many fearing it ‘poses a significant risk to public safety, local infrastructure, and the responsible use of taxpayer funds’.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said she first heard of the plans in September and wrote to the Home Office with concerns but did not receive a reply. ‘I have been clear that these plans must fully consider the impact on the local community, and the appropriateness of the site to accommodate this group of people,’ she said.
Tory Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said constituents were concerned about pressures on health services.
The Home Office confirmed the barracks formed part of its plans to end the use of hotels as asylum accommodation.
A spokesman said: ‘Work is well under way, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities.’
