Protesters Demand Moratorium on Scottish AI Datacentres

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood on Thursday to demand an immediate moratorium on the construction of AI datacentres across Scotland. Led by Kat Jones of Action to Protect Rural Scotland, campaigners argue that the rapid boom—with at least 20 projects currently in the planning pipeline—threatens water resources, local environments, and the national energy grid. Specific opposition is focused on projects in Auchtertool, Lammermuir, Hunterston, and Dunbar.

First Minister John Swinney recently announced a strategic approach to datacentres emphasizing sustainability and community benefit but declined to implement a moratorium. The Scottish Government maintains these centres are vital for economic growth, though it now requires planning authorities to notify ministers of any applications exceeding 50MW. The surge in proposals follows a UK government strategy to shift AI growth zones northward to leverage Scotland's water and renewable energy resources.

While the government resists a total pause, the Scottish Greens and Reform UK have expressed support for a moratorium. Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad stated that the government must balance economic and employment interests with national energy, climate, and community wealth building ambitions.