Thousands march in Edinburgh against Scotland's AI data centres

Summarised from 2 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 22:13 · Archive

Around 6,000 people marched through Edinburgh on Saturday to protest plans for AI data centres across Scotland.

Around 6,000 protesters marched through Edinburgh on Saturday, gathering outside the Scottish Parliament to oppose plans for AI data centres across Scotland. The demonstration was supported by more than 80 organisations and groups, including community campaigners facing proposed developments, climate organisations, trade unions, artists and anti-poverty charities.

Campaigners demanded that the Scottish Government hold a national public consultation before any AI data centres are approved. They called on First Minister John Swinney to either "step up or step aside" on the issue. According to the campaigners, the Scottish Government has "failed to explain" why the data centres are needed in Scotland. Friends of the Earth Scotland's Kim Pratt called for "a pause on all the developments that are happening right now, and then a national conversation for the people of Scotland."

Action to Protect Rural Scotland's director Kat Jones told the crowd: "It's time to listen to us." She said that when the campaign began, the obvious environmental impact and the energy demands of data centres should have prompted the government to listen.

Campaigners have warned that if all proposed developments proceed, data centres could become Scotland's most polluting sector by 2030 and threaten the country's climate commitments. The protest coincided with a Global Day of Action during UN climate talks.

How it is being reported

• Inside the 6000-strong AI data centre protest that brought Edinburgh to a standstill“Let us say to the Scottish Government,” bellowed Action to Protect Rural Scotland’s (APRS) director Kat Jones, “it's time to listen to us” ...The National · 14 Nov, 19:11
• Edinburgh’s AI data centre protest outside Scottish Parliament in 35 picturesMore than 6000 people took to the streets on Saturday to protest the 24 data centres planned for ScotlandThe National · 14 Nov, 16:54
• "Profit is being put before people" Thousands march through Edinburgh in protest against AI data centresCampaigners said the Scottish Government has so far “failed to explain” why AI data centres are needed in Scotland.Daily Record · 14 Nov, 15:29
• Thousands take part in huge protest against Scotland's AI data centresAROUND 6000 protesters have marched through Edinburgh against plans for AI data centres across ScotlandThe National · 14 Nov, 12:38
• Scottish Government 'failed to explain' need for AI data centres, campaigners sayCAMPAIGNERS have said the Scottish Government has “failed to explain” why AI data centres are needed in Scotland, as thousands prepare to march against the proposals ...The National · 14 Nov, 05:00
• Objections against 'world’s largest data centre' plans for Scotland hit big milestoneA CAMPAIGN against plans to build the world’s biggest AI data center campus in Scotland has hit another major milestone ...The National · 13 Nov, 18:48

In this story: Scotland · Edinburgh · John Swinney · Green New Deal Rising · Friends of the Earth Scotland · Action to Protect Rural Scotland

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