Squatters occupy empty military buildings in 1946 due to housing shortage

FORMER servicemen returning home to Inverness following the end of World War II turned to squatting with their families due to a shortage of permanent accommodation.

Squatting colonies in unused military and Air Ministry huts sprang up at various sites around the town including the Longman Aerodrome, Raigmore Wood, Annfield Road, Porterfield Road and Muirtown.

The Inverness Courier reported in August: "Throughout the town there is considerable sympathy for the 'squatters'. It is felt that the huts should have been used long ago as a temporary expedient.

"Many of the 'squatters' and their families have been living with relatives or in furnished lodgings and although they realised they have taken the law into their own hands, they are prepared to pay rent for the huts and they are hopeful that the Government will take steps to legalise their position."

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