Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed confirmation from the Home Office that the Eight Acres hotel in Elgin will no longer be used to house asylum seekers.
The contract is set to cease as of July this year, with residents notified a minimum of five days in advance and relocated in line with the Home Office’s contractual arrangements.
They aim to complete all relocations in advance of the contract ending in July.
Douglas says that while this was a short-term measure to house asylum seekers, it was only a ever a temporary solution and the letter he received from the Minister confirms this will come to an end at the conclusion of the notice period.
He added that he will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure that relocation efforts are as “smooth” as possible both for the asylum seeker, and the hotel at the heart of his constituency.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I welcome this news from the Home Office.
“The Eight Acres Hotel in Elgin was appropriate as a short-term solution to house asylum seekers, but better long-term solutions must be found in terms of their accommodation.
“With this news being announced months ahead of the contract ending, I will continue to work closely with the Home Office and local authorities to ensure that relocation efforts run smoothly as possible for all those involved.
“There were some concerns raised when the hotel was initially designated as asylum accommodation, but there have been very few issues with it. That said I know people will be pleased to see the hotel soon able to return as accommodation for tourists to our area."