A new centre for testing UK citizenship has opened in Aberdeen.
Home Office bosses have been promising the new facility since last May following complaints in the wake of the previous centre’s closure in 2015.
There are 39 test centres across the UK but only two in Scotland, leading to concerns that many had to make long journeys and book expensive hotel stays to take the test for British citizenship.
Finding a company to provide the tests in the city was a difficulty for the Home Office, which had previously invited bids.
Now a provider has been found and the government has confirmed that the centre has been opened at the North-east college on Gallowgate.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart campaigned to reopen the facility.
Last night he said: “This has been a long fought battle with the Home Office over the past 18 months and I am delighted the new citizenship test centre is now open in Aberdeen.
“The reality is we should never have had to fight tooth and nail with the Home Office, but now people across Aberdeen will no longer have to travel to the central belt to sit the test.”
