KILMARNOCK, Scotland — Activists gathered outside a business event here Wednesday to oppose a planned data center, warning it would threaten an 800-year-old castle and ancient archaeological remains.
The Reject Hunterston Data Centre campaign organized the demonstration against Eneus Energy's proposal to build on a greenfield site 50 meters from Hunterston Castle, a structure whose rural setting is central to its heritage designation.
The surrounding area contains remains of Neolithic settlements. The campaign group said the development would destroy local heritage, landscape, and biodiversity in West Kilbride, which it described as Scotland's most innovative craft town and a popular tourist destination.
The group called for authorities to refuse the current proposal and any future planning applications for the project.
Eneus Energy said the Hunterston data center is in early development stages and designed for sustainability. The company said it plans to use Scotland's renewable energy resources and that the project aligns with local authorities' efforts to grow the region's digital economy. The company expects the facility to create long-term employment and investment opportunities.
