'Don't go – this is your home', Ross-shire MSP tells EU citizens amid Brexit uncertainty

A ROSS-shire MSP has made an impassioned plea to EU citizens to stay in Scotland amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty.

Kate Forbes' appeal to those living in her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency - which includes Dingwall and the Black Isle – follows a similar plea issued by the First Minister.

Last week, Nicola Sturgeon made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home - promising to continue making a strong case for their rights to be protected in any EU exit scenario.

The SNP leader has written an open letter to EU citizens to confirm a new ‘Stay in Scotland’ package that will consist of £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, including posters, factsheets, digital content and guide directing EU citizens to further guidance.

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.”

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