Action to Protect Rural Scotland

When you're campaigning against a hyperscale AI data centre and 'Building Standards and Development Management' takes on a whole new meaning.

Graham Simpson MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament which particularly notes concern over the air quality implications of diesel generators related to hyperscale data centre developments.

The motion also mentions the lack of a definition for a 'green data centre' and 'notes calls for the Scottish Government to issue urgent guidance on the term, including in relation to the use of gas and diesel power and the air quality standards that should apply.'

We are encouraging supporters to email their MSPs to ask them to support this motion.

Full text below.

Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scot and Lothians West, Reform UK
Date lodged: Friday, 19 June 2026
Motion type: Members' Business Motion
Motion reference: S7M-00428
Current status: Has not yet achieved cross-party support

That the Parliament notes with concern proposals for hyperscale AI data centres across the Central Scotland and Lothian West region, including at Ravenscraig, Larbert, Newhouse and West Calder, and near communities affected by the proposed AI Growth Zone at Chapelhall; understands that such developments may rely on diesel generators to support 24/7 operation; further understands that there are concerns over potential nitrogen oxide emissions; recognises that there are community concerns about the cumulative impact on air quality, emissions, green space and energy costs; regrets that National Planning Framework 4 does not define “green data centres”, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to issue urgent guidance on the term, including in relation to the use of gas and diesel power and the air quality standards that should apply.

Congratulations to the Save The Lammermuirs - Stop The Data Centre Campaign on passing the 10,000 mark for their petition!!!

🚨 OUR PETITION IS NOW LIVE 🚨

A huge industrial-scale data centre is being proposed for the Lammermuir Hills.

We believe this is the wrong development in the wrong place.

If you care about protecting Scotland's landscapes, wildlife, dark skies and rural communities, please sign and share.

Every signature matters.

✍️ Sign the petition here: https://c.org/CZgKCLqMHG