Peter Jolly Northpix
The rallies represented both sides of the debate over plans for Cameron Barracks
People have taken part in opposing rallies near a Highland military base where the UK government plans to house asylum seekers.
Cameron Barracks, near Inverness city centre, could accommodate about 300 men from next year.
The Home Office originally wanted to move asylum seekers to the barracks by early December as part of drive to close asylum hotels, but it emerged last month the plans had been delayed.
One of the demonstrations was organised by Highlands Against Hate, which supports refugees coming to Scotland, and another involved supporters of anti-illegal immigration group Peterhead United.
A separate rally has been organised by people concerned about illegal immigration
The rallies, held in a housing scheme, were noisy but peaceful.
Shouts were exchanged between the different groups, which had gathered behind metal barriers and were watched from the sidelines by police.
Union flags and Saltires were draped over barriers in front of supporters of the anti-illegal immigration event, which featured a number of speakers.
There were also signs that read “legal migrants welcome” and “protect our kids”.
In the Highlands Against Hate rally, placards were held up with messages welcoming refugees and condemning racism.
SNP MSP Emma Roddick and Labour MSP Rhoda Grant were among those in the crowd.
Joseph Glass said he was against the use of the barracks for housing asylum seekers
Joseph Glass, a 65-year-old retired machine operator, said his father had served in Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, before later joining the Territorial Army, and Cameron Barracks had been his “home from home”.
Mr Glass said his dad would be “turning in his grave” if he knew the base was being used to house asylum seekers.
“If you look around the UK, even Scotland, the amount of crimes that have been committed by immigrants, especially illegal immigrants – it’s not right,” he said.
Tomos Hawksworth said asylum seekers were leaving their homes for good reasons
Gardener Tomos Hawksworth, 26, said he wanted to provide a “welcoming environment” for asylum seekers.
He said: “People who are leaving their homes for a good reason, leaving because they are scared, because there is warfare, because they are being persecuted – we should be able to provide somewhere safe.”
Mr Hawksworth said housing should be provided instead of accommodation in a military base.
Kamil Frankowski said he supported local people with concerns about the suitability of the barracks
Kamil Frankowski, 42, said he supported those with concerns about the suitability of the barracks.
“I am not from this country but I love this place enough to be here and support people like locals,” said the security officer.
He added: “I don’t agree 300 men – young, a lot of energy, a lot of time – are just in our neighbourhood, walking between our kids.”
Neil Hepburn said the use of the situation needed to be handled with humanity and empathy
Marketing manager Neil Hepburn, 42, said the plans for the barracks was a complicated issue that had been handled “quite badly”.
“I think it’s one that needs to be approached with humanity and empathy towards people who are fleeing very difficult circumstances,” he said.
“They have to come somewhere and I hope if I was fleeing a difficult situation with my family that I would be welcomed by a empathetic community.”
‘Avoid rushed plans’
Last month, the Home Office said it wanted to avoid rushed plans leading to “unsafe and chaotic situations” at Cameron Barracks.
It said it would proceed when facilities were “fully operational and safe”.
First Minister John Swinney later accused the Home Office of making up its plans “on the back of an envelope”.
Crowborough and Cameron Barracks were both earmarked earlier this year as potential temporary asylum seeker accommodation.
In East Sussex, the local authority Wealden District Council passed a motion formally opposing the Crowborough proposal.
Highland Council also raised concerns over the scale of the barracks plans and pressures on local services.
The 140-year-old base, near Inverness city centre, was previously used to house families fleeing Afghanistan.
When asked about the use of Cameron Barracks earlier this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told BBC Scotland News that the UK government would “unveil plans in relation to timings as soon as we can”.
What is an asylum seeker?
An asylum seeker is someone asking for sanctuary due to dangers in their home country
In the UK, all applications for asylum are processed by the Home Office.
Asylum seekers do not have the same rights as a refugee or a British citizen while they wait for a decision. For example, asylum seekers are not allowed to work.
Successful applicants are given refugee status, but the applicant usually has to leave the country if their claim is rejected and any appeal is unsuccessful.