European Union citizens are being urged to stay in the Highlands amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
Kate Forbes, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, made an impassioned plea yesterday saying the Scottish Government has made a commitment to protecting their rights when the UK exits the EU.
Ms Forbes was speaking after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s open letter to EU citizens to confirm a new Stay in Scotland package.
The Stay in Scotland package includes £250,000 for community based support across Scotland, a support and advice service for EU citizens with more complex needs or particular challenges and a toolkit for employers.
Miss Forbes said: “It is important to make clear that EU citizens will always remain welcome in the Highlands.
“They make a huge contribution to our economy and our communities, and I will continue to do all I can to help people stay in Scotland.
“It’s a shame that the UK government is obliging EU citizens who have built their homes in Scotland, sometimes for decades, to apply for the continued right to remain in their own homes.
“I have personally met men and women who have families, partners and jobs here and are faced with the troubling uncertainty of applying to remain.
“With continued uncertainty and turmoil in Westminster, I hope that this announcement from the First Minister will provide welcome support for EU citizens across Scotland.
“I’d like to urge anyone who has issues or concerns they would like to discuss with me to please get in touch.”