OPINION: Cameron Barracks is opportunity to ‘put asylum seekers to work and become an asset’
Michael Forbes, an outspoken Highland artist with fans ranging from the likes of Ricky Gervais to Madonna, has shared his thoughts on plans to house asylum seekers in Cameron Barracks in Inverness. The proposal remains shrouded in uncertainty but has sparked heated debate across the country.
I have a terrible problem, it’s been an affliction all my life. It’s not always served me well — I have trouble keeping an opinion to myself and shutting my mouth.
So here’s my penny’s worth. It seems as though Cameron Barracks in Inverness is going to be used to house asylum seekers. Already on my timeline I see racist comments and protests planned to stop them coming.
Seems to me, watching the news, the world is in a terrible state and sitting back watching people die every night while eating my tea in front of the telly is almost obscene. These people have risked their lives to come here, because staying would mean death.
So here we are with Cameron Barracks full of asylum seekers.
I’m just back from Dublin and what was nice about it was they still have the migrant workers we lost after Brexit. There are businesses that just can’t get the workers here in the Highlands, and here is an opportunity to get some back.
Let’s put asylum seekers to work, get them contributing and let them be an asset to the area. Fight your fear, move towards welcoming change and the stranger as a new friend. Look at the people protesting… hate, anger, racism, fear... Is that really what you want to nurture within yourself?
Don’t let hatred start a tumour, don’t use our flag as a weapon.
Let’s see these immigrants as an opportunity. Anyway… that’s how I see it.