Cameron Barracks, Inverness
The Home Office told us on 27 October 2025 that it plans to use Cameron Barracks in Inverness to house up to 300 adult men seeking asylum. We meet weekly with partners to plan for this.
The Home Office runs the asylum system and asylum accommodation. We work with partners to meet local duties and to support our communities.
Find out more from The Home Office
Current status
Home Office officials have said arrivals would not take place before January 2026. There is still no confirmed arrival date.
More information
Read The Home Office Cameron Barracks factsheet
Read all correspondence on the proposed use of Inverness Cameron Barracks
Key updates
11 March 2026
Letter sent by the Chief Officer, Legal & Corporate Governance to the Minister for Border Security & Asylum advising that a HMO license is required for the site at Cameron Barracks.
3 March 2026
Letter received from the Minister for Border Security & Asylum regarding Cameron Barracks and HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupation) licencing.
26 January 2026
No confirmed arrival date. We continue to ask the Home Office for details.
10 December 2025
Letter sent by the Council Leader, Convener and Leader of the Opposition to the Home Secretary, asking the Home Office to meet local residents and provide clarity on plans.
28 November 2025
The Highland Public Protection Group agreed a resilience framework to manage local risks during planning. We will take the strategic lead for the framework in this phase.
27 November 2025
Council calls for meaningful engagement from The Home Office news article released.
26 November 2025
Further letter sent by the Council Leader, Convener and Leader of the Opposition to the Home Secretary asking for the implementation plan and assurance on planning and licensing. No response yet.
Home Office officials also said: no arrivals before January 2026, no specific site contract signed for Cameron Barracks, and extra checks would aim to ensure no under‑18s are placed at the site.
13 November 2025
Council confirms letter of concern sent to Home Office
6 November 2025
Special meeting of The Highland Council - Watch the webcast - Special Highland Council, 6 November 2025
28 October 2025
Plans to house asylum seekers in Inverness
23 October 2025
Letter sent by the Council Leader to the Home Secretary. The Minister for Border Security and Asylum's reply on 24 November indicated a phased, incremental approach, but provided no new details.