Katrine Bussey

Campaigners in Scotland are urging the public to object to two proposed hyperscale AI data centres in Larbert and Auchtertool ahead of a July 2 deadline, arguing the developments’ combined 900‑megawatt power demand poses major environmental and energy‑grid risks. Local community leaders and conservation group APRS call for a national moratorium, citing widespread opposition, thousands of formal objections, and growing concern over emissions, water use, and electricity prices. The Scottish Government has declined to impose a moratorium, though First Minister John Swinney signaled he may reconsider whether local councils should retain decision‑making authority for such large‑scale projects.