The government has secured the property from the Ministry of Defence on a 12 month lease as part of Labour’s bid to end the use of asylum seeker hotels. 

Shirley-Anne Somerville met with Asylum Minister Alex Norris (Jane Barlow/PA))

Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said she was ‘disappointed’ over the UK Government‘s lack of clarity on the issue. 

The longtime MSP said: “I was disappointed to still be left with unanswered questions following a meeting with Alex Norris on the Home Office’s plans to use Cameron Barracks to house people seeking asylum.

“I have asked for urgent clarification from the UK Government on the impact on health, policing and other local services as we have not received the reassurances needed that there won’t be an increase in costs for services in the area.”

Around 37,000 people are currently seeking asylum in Scotland; about one for every 150 settled residents.

In June 2025, 3,844 asylum seekers lived in Glasgow, the highest number in any local authority in the UK.

The Scottish Government has previously pushed back on migration-related misinformation, calling out right-wing figures such as billionaire Elon Musk.

Somerville added: “The Home Office must provide urgent clarity to stop the spread of disinformation amongst communities in Inverness.

“Scotland welcomes refugees and people seeking asylum but it is vital that the Home Office provides clear communication and reassurances on the impact on local services.”

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Speaking to MPs last week, Asylum Minister Alex Norris said he understood the ‘strength of feeling’ about the housing plan. 

He told Parliament: “There is a strong understanding within the Home Office about the importance of local engagement.

“My officials have been engaging directly with the Scottish government, relevant councils and local service providers and will continue to do so.”

Norris added: “We are clear that impact on communities will be minimised, and the safety and security of people living and working in the surrounding areas is paramount.”