Thousands turn out in Edinburgh to protest against AI data centres
Summary
Thousands of people marched in Edinburgh against plans to build large AI data centres. Protesters raised concerns about energy use, environmental effects and impacts on nearby communities as the Scottish government prepares new planning guidance.Key Facts
- Demonstrators gathered on the Royal Mile and marched towards the Scottish Parliament.
- Some protesters opposed proposed data centres in places including Cockenzie, East Lothian, and Larbert, Falkirk.
- A campaigner opposing a proposed Chapelcross data centre cited construction disruption, noise and the site’s electricity needs as concerns.
- The planned Chapelcross facility could have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts if built.
- Scotland’s largest data centre is thought to be DataVita’s Airdrie site, with a capacity of 12 megawatts.
- The Scottish Greens and campaign groups have called for a pause on large data centre projects, citing climate targets and pressure on renewable energy supplies.
- The Scottish government plans to publish new planning guidance and says it is developing a strategy to maximise public benefit.
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