Inverness deportation couple have their day in court
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AN INVERNESS couple threatened with deportation face a further wait of at least a month before learning their fate.
American husband and wife Russell and Ellen Felber, who run a CITY guest house, took their case to the Court of Session in Edinburgh today for a judicial review of the Home Office ruling that they should no longer be allowed to remain in the UK.
Since late last year they have been fighting against the ruling, arguing that they complied with all immigration conditions before the government retrospectively moved the goalposts on them.
An application for permanent residency was refused in September due to an employment issue, and just before Christmas they were given 30 days to leave the UK.
Their case was taken up by Inverness MP Drew Hendry and the Inverness Courier with a petition calling for the couple to be allowed to stay attracting more than 1000 signatures.
The couple run the Torridon Guest House in Kenneth Street and have spent tens of thousands of pounds turning it into a thriving business.
At the Court of Session in Edinburgh today the couple were able to present their case through an advocate as the court also heard from the Home Office.
A judgement is now expected within four to six weeks.
Speaking after today’s hearing Mr Felber said: "It felt good to finally get into court and be able to make our case.
"I think our side of things was put over very well, though I have no idea how things will go.
"We now have this four to six week wait to find out what the decision will be, which is going to be horrible to live with."
