Correspondence regarding the use of Cameron Barracks to house asylum seekers: FOI release

Information requested

– All the emails and texts between the Scottish Government and the Home Office, Highland Council, NHS Highland, Police Scotland regarding the use of Cameron Barracks to house asylum seekers up until November 7, 2025.

– All economic, social, environmental, legal or risk impact assessments conducted by the Scottish Government into the use of Cameron Barracks as a place to house asylum seekers.

Response

Question 1

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because several exemptions apply. Some of the information you have requested between Scottish Government and the Home Office is exempt under sections 28, 30 b (ii) and 38 (1) of FOISA as disclosure would likely to prejudice substantially relations between administrations in the UK (between UK Government and Scottish Government),and also inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice to Ministers.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there Is public interest in release in the interests of transparency and a legitimate interest in communication between UK Government, Local Authorities, Scottish Health Board regarding emails and texts from or to the Scottish Government concerning the Cameron Barracks.

However, there is a need to protect space for Ministers and their officials to discuss the use of Cameron Barracks. Any release of information could jeopardise or destroy the relationship with the above groups which is not in the benefit to the people of Scotland. Information related to individuals below SCS grade is also not disclosed.

With regards to emails and texts between the Scottish Government and Highland Council some of this information is also exempt under the same exemptions stated above.

Information in relation to texts and emails between Scottish Government and Home Office, and between Scottish Government and Highland Council can be viewed in the attached Annex.

With regards to emails and texts between the Scottish Government and NHS Highlands, some of the information is exempt as per the exemptions stated above. Please see information contained in Annex B with regards to your request.

With regards to emails and texts between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested.

Scottish Government does not hold any information between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland regarding Cameron Barracks.

This is a section 17(1) notice that the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested.

Some of the information relevant to your first question is already available. Under section 25 (information otherwise accessible) exempts information which is already reasonably accessible to you.

Please find the below links to letters that have been sent from the Scottish Government to UK Government concerning Cameron Barracks.

1. Letter to Home Secretary on 26 September:
Immigration and asylum: Letter to UK Government - gov.scot

2. Letter to Home Secretary on 29 October:
Accommodation for people seeking asylum: Letter to UK Government - gov.scot

3. Letter to Minister for Border Security & Asylum on 4 November:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/clarification-on-housing-people-seeking-asylum-letter-to-uk-gover…

Question 2

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested.

Scottish Government is not responsible, or aware of any economic, social, environmental, legal or risk impact assessments conducted into the use of Cameron Barracks as a place to house asylum seekers.

This is a section 17(1) notice that the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500493356 - Information released - Annex and Annex B

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