Scottish Government ‘failed to explain’ need for data centres, say campaigners

Campaigners have said the Scottish Government has so far “failed to explain” why AI data centres are needed in Scotland, as thousands prepare to march against the proposals.

Campaigners have said thousands of people are expected to march down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and gather outside the Scottish Parliament in a major demonstration against AI data centres.

More than 80 organisations and groups are supporting the march, including community campaigners affected by AI data centre proposals in their areas, climate organisations, trade unions, artists and anti-poverty charities.

The groups have been demanding that the Scottish Government publicly consult on plans for AI data centres before any are approved, in a “national conversation” in which people across Scotland can have their say.

Friends of the Earth Scotland senior campaigner Kim Pratt said the Scottish Government has so far “failed to explain” why AI data centres are needed in Scotland.

She said: “Today we are marching to demand that the people of Scotland can have their say on these monstrous AI data centres.

“Community groups have been joined by environmental, anti-poverty and anti-war organisations and artists to show this is an issue that is important to everyone.

“The huge data centres being proposed would crowd out communities, double Scotland’s electricity demand and make our energy bills more expensive, as well as trashing our climate commitments and using thousands of tonnes of precious materials, such as nickel and copper.

“The Scottish Government has failed to explain why it thinks AI data centres are needed in Scotland and how it will protect people from their harms.

“We’ve seen how normal people suffer when big tech is allowed to push through their data centre plans in other countries.

“The same thing cannot be allowed to happen in Scotland, that’s why we are demanding that people are given a say on AI data centres in Scotland before any decisions are made.”

Kat Jones, director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland, also said: “The Scottish Government needs to include communities and civil society in their discussions. We are calling for urgent change and a seat at the table.”

There are 23 proposals for AI data centres of different sizes and in various stages of planning across Scotland. Many communities have opposed the plans.

Gail Scott, a campaigner with Cockenzie Communities Action Group, who are opposing plans for a 70-acre data centre site, said: “Our community is facing constant pollution and health risks from the potential construction of a hyperscale data centre on our doorstep.

“These monstrosities destroy habitats for local wildlife, reducing the biodiversity of our community, and could lead to strains on the local electricity supply. They’re also far too close to people’s homes and community facilities.

“Elected representatives are meant to protect the interests of their citizens – not line the pockets of tech corporations. We deserve better.”

The march is part of a Europe-wide wave of protests to “stop dirty data centres”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government will be publishing new planning guidance on data centres before the end of the year and, in parallel, is developing a strategic approach to maximising the public benefit from data centres located in Scotland.

“Planning authorities are also now required to notify ministers of new data centre applications, with a new planning direction also mandating an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be submitted during planning for all new data centres with a power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW).”