75 organizations plan Edinburgh march over proposed AI data centers

A coalition of 75 organizations plans to march down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on Nov. 14, 2026, demanding public consultation on proposed AI data centers in Scotland, Sky News reported Nov. 7.

Trade unions, anti-war groups and housing campaigners are expected to join the demonstration. Participating organizations include Action to Protect Rural Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland, alongside local campaign groups.

The march is part of Stop Dirty Data Centres, a Europe-wide campaign involving more than 70 demonstrations across 15 countries during November, Sky News reported. Scotland has proposals for at least 23 large AI data centers.

Campaigners demand a public consultation

Kim Pratt of Friends of the Earth Scotland called for “a proper public consultation,” citing concerns about threats to land, energy and the environment, Sky News reported.

“That's why we're marching to demand a proper public consultation on these AI data centre plans before any developers can force them through,” Pratt said in comments quoted by Sky News.

Gordon Maloney, chairman of tenants’ union Living Rent Edinburgh, called on politicians to “stand up for the people who live in Scotland and stop AI data centres being built across the country,” .