Scotland Protesters Seek Pause on Datacentre Boom

Hundreds of people gathered outside Holyrood in Edinburgh to demand an immediate pause on Scotland’s rapid datacenter expansion. Campaigners say at least 20 projects are proposed, including a large development in Auchtertool, Fife, described as potentially the second largest in the world. Their concerns focus on electricity demand, environmental effects, construction in rural areas and the impact on nearby communities. Scotland’s government has promised a strategic approach with expectations around sustainability, resource use and community benefit, but has not agreed to a moratorium. Ministers now require notification of new applications above 50MW to monitor infrastructure pressure. Protest organizers argue that a national framework and environmental analysis should come before further approvals, while the government also stresses potential economic and employment benefits.

The Guardian, Patrick Greenfield and Aisha Down – Hundreds gather to urge Scottish government to pause datacentre boom – 3rd September 2026