Thousands of people opposed to data centres have marched through Edinburgh, with campaigners calling for a "national conversation" on proposed plans. The demonstration saw crowds gather outside the Scottish Parliament after marching down the Royal Mile.
Campaigners said the Scottish Government has so far "failed to explain" why AI data centres are needed in Scotland. More than 80 organisations and groups supported the march, including community campaigners affected by AI data centre proposals, climate organisations, trade unions, artists and anti-poverty charities.
Demands for a public consultation
The groups are 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.
Speaking to the Press Association at the march, Friends of the Earth Scotland senior campaigner Kim Pratt said she had been told an estimated 6,000 people had turned up to the protest. She said: "We can see from today that there are lots of people from all over Scotland who really care about this issue and that impact is working."
Ms Pratt added: "We have seen that the people power from communities across Scotland are the ones who have forced the Scottish Government to make changes to slow down this process already and we need to keep pushing on because we know that this works, and we know that we can make a difference."
Calls for a pause on developments
Ms Pratt is calling on the Scottish Government to halt data centre plans until a "national conversation" has happened for the people of Scotland. She said: "What we would like to see is a pause on all the developments that are happening right now, and then a national conversation for the people of Scotland."
She continued: "What the Scottish Government really needs to set out is explain why they think these AI data centres need to be built in Scotland. What are the benefits going to be? Who are going to get those benefits? What are the costs going to be? And who are going to be made to pay those costs?"
Ms Pratt added: "The way that AI data centres are being proposed in Scotland at the moment will only benefit those really big companies. Profit is being put before people and that is the system that we're seeing across the world today."
Plans and community opposition
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.
Prior to the march, Gail Scott, a campaigner with Cockenzie Communities Action Group, which is 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."
She added: "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 to be submitted during planning for all new data centres with a power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW)."
