The people of Inverness, known for their pride and loyalty, continue to uphold their rich heritage and military traditions.
This historic Highland city, whose motto is ‘concordia et fidelitas’ – meaning harmony and faithfulness – has seen its share of conflicts over the years.
Yet, it was a modern-day issue that recently brought its bustling city center to a standstill.
Residents, alongside dismayed war veterans, gathered on the High Street to voice their disapproval of Keir Starmer’s proposal to accommodate over 300 asylum seekers at the nearby Cameron Barracks.
The Home Office aims to alleviate the burden on the UK’s migrant hotels by converting the Victorian-era military site to house individuals arriving via small boats.
Yesterday marked the first official demonstration against Labour’s plans, emphatically showcasing the depth of resistance within the Highland community.
Isabelle MacKenzie Conservative Councillor for the Millburn area where the Barracks are based, said: ’Inverness has never seen anything like this. And I believe this is just the beginning.’
It was high noon when hundreds began gathering at the bottom of the Market Brae Steps, the sun shining on a stunning November afternoon.
Locals gathered to protest in the city centre over the asylum plan
War hero Charlie MacIvor who spent 25 years in the armed forces joined the protest
Royal Air Force veteran Graham Cameron was critical of the government’s plans
The pedestrian thoroughfare would normally be full of Christmas shoppers, but, just outside Marks and Spencers, the air was filled not with cheer but jeers over the UK Government’s plans to place 309 young males who have travelled from abroad among them.
‘Send them home, send them home, send them home’ was belted out over megaphones by the organisers of the ‘Inverness Against Illegal Migrant Barracks’ event.
Charlie MacIvor, 68, proudly displayed his ‘HM Armed Forces’ badge on his lapel. The Inverness resident served 25 years in the Queen’s Own Highlanders and the Royal Corps of Transport.
He said: ’I am totally against this. 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, 66, a veteran of the Royal Air Force, was more direct.
He demanded: ’Veterans who are homeless don’t get any support from this Government – why give it to illegal immigrants?
‘I believe we should be helping our own people first. I am not Far Right but I would like to invite Keir Starmer and John Swinney to come up here and talk to us face-to-face’.
Shoppers who had hoped to pick up some early festive gifts had to pick their way through the loud protestors and around half that number of counter demonstrators.
One of those travelling a distance to take part was Connor Graham, a leading light in protests against a migrant hotel in Falkirk, the Cladhan.
He told the crowd: ’You are showing Scotland what community spirit looks like.
‘You are proving that ordinary people DO have a voice.
‘And together, we will continue to stand, speak and act peacefully – until our towns and our people are treated with the respect they deserve.’
The local Highland Council has already voiced its concerns over why Cameron Barracks was chosen and how the project will be managed to ensure no ‘detrimental impact’ will result on local services.
It also asks for risk and impact assessments to be shared and for confirmation of any funding arrangements.
Reports suggest more than £1 million is to be spent on a revamp of the barracks, to instal new boilers and remove dangerous asbestos.
The affair has left a former Highlanders’ lance corporal wondering why he fought for his country.
Chris Munro, 40, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, remarked: ’I am absolutely disgusted. I have come all the way from Wick today because I am so angry.
‘People like me have fought for our country and you have to ask yourself what was the f****** point?
‘How could this country keep out the Germans for six years but can’t stop dinghies crossing the English Channel?’
It’s likely this has been only the opening salvo in what is likely to be a furious campaign of opposition.
As the season of goodwill approaches, there is little to be found in today’s Inverness.
The Battle for Cameron Barracks has begun.
