Outlander star Sam Heughan backs Larbert residents' fight to stop AI data centre
Outlander star Sam Heughan has backed Larbert residents’ fight to stop a hyperscale AI data centre being built on land that is next to a care home and close to a hospital and thousands of homes.
The Scottish actor took to social media to voice his opposition to massive AI data centres being planned across Scotland, including the 300MW development in Larbert.
In his post on Instagram, where he has 4.6 million followers, he said: “Scotland has set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, aiming to reduce emissions through key areas like home heating, transport, and renewable energy.
“The large scale proposals of numerous AI data centres across Scotland cannot be allowed.
“The science and research behind the proposals have been rushed through by large corporations, not taking into account any long term or localised consequences.
“Similar sites in the US have resulted in a massive strain on the electrical grid, heavy water consumption, contaminated drinking water, increased utility costs, 24/7 noise pollution and large public health concerns including: PFAS exposure (forever chemicals), hazardous E-waste, air war and land pollution, EMF exposure leading to higher cancer risk.”
He also highlighted the recent wildfires in Scotland saying the massive development “would add yet more potential for large scale fire risk”.
He added: “We must not allow outside corporations to exploit our green ambitions by proposing industrial scale AI data centres beside residential homes, care homes and hospitals.
“Larbert and the whole of Scotland deserves better care for the nation. We can’t allow big tech individuals or companies to profit while our communities are left to bear the generational consequences.”
Renewable energy developer Apatura claims that the project “could deliver close to £1 billion in investment, support more than 5000 construction jobs and more than 1300 long-term skilled roles (including over 500 local positions), and help meet growing demand for secure, low-carbon digital infrastructure”.
But campaigners have real concerns about noise, pollution and traffic that could be generated on the 55 acre site at Glenbervie Business Park, just off Bellsdyke Road.
Campaigner Hazel McQueen, a member of the ‘Say No to Larbert Data Centre’ group, had emailed Sam to ask for his support and was delighted when he agreed to give his backing to the campaign.
Hazel said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Sam for his support. It means a great deal to everyone involved because we’re ordinary local people standing up against companies with enormous resources and big pockets.
“Many of my neighbours living close to the proposed site are losing sleep over what this could mean for their homes, and their future.
“We each have a story to tell about the impact this proposal is having.
“Sam’s support gives the Larbert campaign a much bigger platform.
“With his worldwide following, he is helping raise awareness far beyond our community.
“On behalf of everyone involved in the campaign, we simply want to say a big thank you. His kindness and willingness to use his voice to help means more than he probably realises.”
This is the latest high profile celebrity to back their campaign after singer Susan Boyle joined residents on a protest against the plans last month.
Mr Heughan was invited to join the next protest, which will be at the roundabout close to the Glenbervie site on Thursday, August 13 at 4pm, but he could not make it and sent the message of support instead, sharing pictures of the first protest on his Instagram message.