Inverness Women’s Aid Refuge Services Must Not Close – Fergus Ewing Urges Scottish Government to Intervene

Fergus Ewing Independent MSP for Inverness and Nairn has today submitted a written parliamentary question calling on the Scottish Government to urgently intervene to prevent the potential closure of Inverness Women’s Aid refuge and outreach services.

Mr Ewing said that the situation has reached “a critical point” and stressed that essential support for vulnerable women and families cannot be allowed to collapse.

 He said:

“Women’s Aid refuge services must not be closed. The prospect of losing both the refuge and outreach provision in Inverness is deeply alarming. I have today lodged written questions pressing the Scottish Government to broker a solution urgently.

This is a vital service that protects women and children at risk of domestic abuse. We cannot stand by while it edges towards closure. I am urging Ministers to act to ensure this service is protected.”

Inverness Women’s Aid has warned that, without urgent clarity and support, they may be forced to close their services during 2027.

Mr Ewing added:

“I will continue working with colleagues across parties to secure a meeting with senior Highland Council officials and ensure the voices of Women’s Aid staff and service users are heard. Their work is too important to lose.”

Fergus Ewing MSP Written Question:

To Ask The Scottish Government (TATSG) in the light of fears that the Inverness Women’s Aid may be making active preparations to close their services,(both refuge and outreach) by 2027, whether the Scottish Government will take any action to intervene in order to endeavour to help to broker a solution which avoids that closure.