Prince Philip’s role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Queen's Own Highlanders has come back into focus after the regiment’s veterans’ organisation was told it must leave its headquarters at Cameron Barracks in Inverness to make way for asylum seeker accommodation.
The late Duke of Edinburgh served as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, which was formed in 1961 through the unification of the Seaforth Highlanders and The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
The unit went on to serve in the Gulf War, Northern Ireland and the Falklands conflict before merging again in 1994 to become The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons).
Now, the Queen's Own Highlanders Regimental Association has been told it must vacate its longstanding home at Cameron Barracks as the UK Government converts part of the site into accommodation for 309 single male asylum seekers.
Prince Philip's beloved regiment headquarters cleared to house asylum seekers
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The Ministry of Defence has informed the association that it will be required to relocate for up to 12 months while the Home Office proceeds with the plan.
The organisation has also reportedly been instructed not to discuss the relocation arrangements publicly.
The association provides support to former service personnel and their families, including financial assistance, welfare support, and reunion events.
Losing access to its administrative base at the barracks will significantly disrupt those activities.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visiting The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 2014
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Figures from across the political spectrum have criticised the Government’s handling of the situation, arguing that the decision fails to respect those who served.
Andrew Bowie, Conservative MP and Shadow Scotland Secretary, told the Mail: "This shows the total ignorance of this Labour government when it comes to the value they put on veterans and their associations."
He continued: "These men and women have served their country and now their association is being made homeless as a result of the half-baked plan to rehouse asylum seekers in Cameron Barracks."
He added that while asylum hotels should be closed, "forcibly evicting a regimental association is clearly not acceptable."
Prince Philip saluting as he arrived at the laying up of the Colours of the Queen's Own Highlanders in 2003
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Army veteran Gordon Macmillan at Cameron Barracks on the eastern outskirts of Inverness in 2020
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The SNP’s defence spokesman, Dave Doogan, also condemned the move. He said the eviction demonstrated Labour’s "bonfire" approach to governance, describing the proposal as "farcical" and criticising the Ministry of Defence for agreeing to clear the association to accommodate what he called the Home Office’s "shambolic asylum system."
Local representatives have similarly expressed concern. Highland Council held an emergency session to examine the Home Office’s proposals, accusing officials of failing to consult properly with the community before announcing the plan.
Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald, who previously served as a Second Lieutenant with the Queen's Own Highlanders, highlighted worries from military families living beside the site.
He raised particular concern given that the 3 Scots battalion is currently deployed overseas.