Thousands protest against AI data centres in Edinburgh

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 06:27 · Archive

More than 6,000 people marched through Edinburgh demanding a national consultation on AI data centre plans.

More than 6,000 people marched down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh on Saturday to protest against plans for large-scale AI data centres across Scotland. The demonstration, which gathered outside the Scottish Parliament, was part of a wave of protests across Europe, with over 70 demonstrations taking place in 15 countries this month. Over 80 organisations and groups backed the march, including community campaigners affected by AI data centre proposals in their areas, climate organisations, trade unions and anti-poverty charities.

Demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as "AI data centres threaten humanity" and "AI data centres: costing the Earth", with some attending in costume to draw attention to specific issues. The protest comes as the Scottish Government debates the environmental impact of data centres. Innovation Minister Alyn Smith recently said AI could deliver "significant community benefit", describing data centres as "the whisky bonds of the AI sector".

Campaigners are demanding the Scottish Government publicly consult on data centre plans before approval and hold a "national conversation" where people across Scotland can have their say. People living near proposed sites, including Cockenzie in East Lothian and Larbert in Falkirk, have raised concerns about the appearance of developments, potential noise and the land required.

Gail Scott, a campaigner with Cockenzie Communities Action Group, which opposes a 70-acre data centre proposal in East Lothian, 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."

Campaigners have warned that if all the 20-plus proposals for AI data centres across Scotland were granted permission, the sector could become the most polluting in the country by 2030 and endanger Scotland's climate commitments. Scotland's largest data centre is currently DataVita's site in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, with a capacity of 12MW.

How it is being reported

• It is time for a national conversation about data centres in ScotlandA mass protest on the Royal Mile came less that a year after Scotland started hearing about data centres - things have moved rapidly since then, writes Dr Kat JonesThe Scotsman · 15 Nov, 06:00
• Edinburgh protest against data centres sees thousands march down Royal Mile'We’re parents, neighbours and ordinary people who care about where we live.'Edinburgh Live · 14 Nov, 15:52
• Thousands march against AI data centres in Edinburgh as campaigners call for ‘national conversation’An estimated 6,000 people turned out to join the demonstration, which marched down the Royal Mile to the Scottish ParliamentEdinburgh Evening News · 14 Nov, 15:02
• In Pictures: Thousands turn out for Edinburgh protest against data centresMore than 80 organisations and groups supported the march, including community campaigners affected by AI data centre proposals in their areas.The Scotsman · 14 Nov, 14:54
• Edinburgh protest sees thousands march against AI data centres in call for ‘national conversation’Thousands marched down the Royal Mile on Saturday and gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in the demonstration.The Scotsman · 14 Nov, 14:30
• Thousands turn out in Edinburgh to protest against AI data centresDemonstrators armed with placards - and some dressed in costume - assembled at the top of the Royal Mile before marching towards the Scottish Parliament.BBC Edinburgh East And Fife · 14 Nov, 13:25

In this story: Edinburgh · Scottish Parliament · Scotland · Alyn Smith · Cockenzie Communities Action Group · Gail Scott · East Lothian · DataVita

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