save the lammermuirs - stop the data centre
stop the data centre
A huge industrial-scale data centre is being proposed for the Lammermuir Hills by Roxburghe Estates and Sunlaws Development Company Ltd. It is the wrong development, in the wrong place, and we are calling for it to be stopped.
Many people across the Scottish Borders are only just becoming aware of what is being proposed near Longformacus under the name “Southside Data Centre”, a name which itself means little to local residents, because there is no recognised place locally called “Southside”.
What is very real, however, is the scale of what is being discussed.
This is not a small rural development. It is not a farm diversification project. It is not something designed to serve or strengthen the local community.
It is the proposed industrialisation of a sensitive rural landscape within the Lammermuir Hills Special Landscape Area (SLA).
A huge campus-style data centre development involving extensive infrastructure, generators, lighting, security fencing, road works and significant environmental impact, proposed for open greenfield land near Longformacus in the Scottish Borders by Roxburghe Estates and Sunlaws Development Company Ltd.
LOCAL PEOPLE ARE SAYING ENOUGH!!
wrong development in the wrong place
The Lammermuir Hills are not an industrial zone.
They are one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive rural landscapes in southern Scotland, an area known for its wildlife, dark skies, open countryside, hill farming, walking routes, fishing, heritage and small rural communities.
People live here because of the landscape, not despite it.
Visitors come here precisely because it is peaceful, unspoilt and wild.
The idea that this landscape should absorb a huge industrial-scale data centre development is deeply alarming to many residents and visitors alike.
What are the concerns?
There are serious questions being raised around:
industrialisation of greenfield land
impact on wildlife and habitats
water usage and water environment concerns
iandscape and visual impact
noise and light pollution
increased HGV traffic and infrastructure pressure
impact on local roads and rural communities
long-term environmental consequences
lack of meaningful local benefit
cumulative industrialisation of the Lammermuir landscape
Many local people are also questioning why a development of this scale is being proposed in such a remote rural setting at all.
a community coming together
What began as concern among a handful of local residents has rapidly grown into a wider community movement.
Public meetings in Longformacus have brought together residents, neighbouring communities, environmental voices and individuals with planning, infrastructure and technical expertise.
People are not “anti-technology”.
People are not opposed to sustainable development.
But many strongly believe there must be limits to what should be placed in sensitive rural landscapes, particularly when the environmental and community costs appear so disproportionate to any local benefit.
this is only the beginning
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this is only the beginning *
We are calling for:
Full transparency around the proposal
Robust environmental scrutiny
Proper public consultation
Protection of the Lammermuir Hills Special Landscape Area
Protection of wildlife, watercourses and rural communities
Serious examination of alternative locations
Withdrawal of this proposal by Roxburghe Estates and Sunlaws Development Company Ltd
This is only the beginning
The planning and consultation process is still developing, but one thing is already clear:
People care deeply about this landscape.
And many are no longer willing to quietly accept the creeping industrialisation of rural Scotland without challenge.
Save The Lammermuirs has been formed as a community-led campaign to oppose the proposed Southside Data Centre and help ensure local voices are heard clearly, publicly and forcefully throughout the planning process.
If you would like to stay informed, support the campaign or get involved, please follow our updates sign the petition and share this page.