Thousands to march against AI data centres

Thousands of people are expected to march down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and gather outside the Scottish Parliament in a major demonstration against AI data centres across Scotland today.  
 

Campaigners are demanding that the Scottish Government publicly consult on plans for AI data centres before any are approved, in a ‘national conversation’ where people across Scotland can have their say. 
 
Over 80 organisations and groups are supporting the march – including community campaigners affected by AI data centre proposals in their local areas, climate organisations, trade unions and anti-poverty charities. 
 
The march is part of a Europe wide wave of protests to ‘stop dirty data centres’ with other actions in Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and many other countries having happened earlier in November. Today’s protest will also coincide with a Global Day of Action around the UN climate talks COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. 
 
There are over 20 proposals for AI data centres of different sizes and in various stages of planning across Scotland. Campaigners have warned that if all the proposals were granted permission by the Scottish Government, data centres could become the most polluting sector in the country by 2030 and endanger Scotland’s climate commitments. 
 
Performances at the post-march rally will include comedian Eleanor Morton, folk singer Karine Polwart and spoken word poet Kate Ireland. 
   
The crowd will also hear speeches from community campaigners, Caroline Rance, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, Kat Jones Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland and more.  

Friends of the Earth Scotland senior campaigner Kim Pratt commented,   
  
“Today we are marching to demand that the people of Scotland can have their say on these monstrous AI data centres. Community groups have been joined by environmental, anti-poverty and anti-war organisations and artists to show this is an issue that is important to everyone.

“The huge data centres being proposed would crowd out communities, double Scotland’s electricity demand and make our energy bills more expensive, as well as trashing our climate commitments and using thousands of tonnes of precious materials, such as nickel and copper.  
“The Scottish Government has failed to explain why it thinks AI data centres are needed in Scotland and how it will protect people from their harms. We’ve seen how normal people suffer when big tech is allowed to push through their data centre plans in other countries – the same thing cannot be allowed to happen in Scotland. That’s why we are demanding that people are given a say on AI data centres in Scotland before any decisions are made.” 
Kat Jones, Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland said: 
“The Scottish Government cannot keep ignoring the evidence that hyperscale AI data centres are devastating for the environment and for the communities who live nearby. Despite months of campaigning, the local campaigns battling these projects where they live are still not being heard by those in power. The Scottish Government needs to include communities and civil society in their discussions. We are calling for urgent change and a seat at the table.” 
 
Gail Scott, a campaigner with Cockenzie Communities Action Group who are opposing plans for a 70 acre data centre site 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. Elected representatives are meant to protect the interests of their citizens – not line the pockets of tech corporations. We deserve better”. 

Kate Ireland, a poet from Glasgow who will be performing at the rally: 
“I’m scared about the arts, I’m scared about our jobs, our livelihoods, and I’m scared for the essential green spaces in Scotland. The climate crisis should be our number one priority as people on this earth, and these computer generated monoliths are the exact opposite of a thriving natural world. But I’m hopeful in the power of the people, the monster is unmasking, making itself so apparent it’s impossible to ignore, and we will rise up together to show it that we never needed it in the first place.” 
Marchers are gathering at Johnston Terrace by Edinburgh Castle at 11:30am, and setting off at 12 noon to march down the Royal Mile before finishing outside the Scottish Parliament for a rally which will take place between 1 and 3pm.

Key information about the day is available at stopaidatacentres.scot