Scottish family man Billy Barclay, accused of passing fake banknote, set to be released from UAE

Ras Al Khaimah government were quick to respond to international sympathy for Billy Barclay after campaign by Detained In Dubai

Scottish family man Billy Barclay is set to be released from UAE this evening after his ordeal involving a fake £20 note.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained and Dubai who is representing Mr Barclay said, “the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority telephoned me today to advise that they had arranged for Mr Barclay’s passport to be returned at 20.30 local time this evening. Ms Frei, representing RAK TDA, told me that they would escort him to the airport and make sure he is back in Edinburgh, reunited with his family as soon as possible. She also advised that they would pay for his hotel bills and laundry. She said that it was a police issue and that the government of Ras Al Khaimah would be “making changes for the future”. I have spoken with Billy and his family who are over the moon, relieved and excited that their ordeal has almost come to an end. They can breathe again.

"I am impressed with the swift response of the government, once the case was published. At the same time, the UK government had advised against going public with this case. Without international support and publicity, Mr Barclay could have been detained for months, if not years, which has been the case with other British Nationals. We look forward to Billy’s return to Scotland and appreciate Mr Ian Murray, MP’s involvement with the family and the UK Embassy in UAE.”