The community-based organisation has launched a new manifesto setting out four key areas where action is needed to ensure every household has access to a warm, affordable home, people can live independently for longer, and community-led housing continues to thrive across the islands. 

The manifesto calls for policymakers to: 

• Commit to long-term, ring-fenced funding for fuel poverty support 

• Increase support for housing aids and adaptations 

• Strengthen investment in community-led housing and development 

• Champion fair energy pricing for rural off-gas communities 

The Outer Hebrides continues to face some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the UK, driven by high energy costs, extreme weather conditions, rural isolation and ageing housing stock. TIG warns that without sustained investment, more households could be pushed into crisis-level hardship, leading to poorer health outcomes and increasing pressure on health and social care services. 

The challenge is highlighted in TIG’s Affordable Warmth at Homes in the Western Isles report, published in June 2024, which found that 32% of respondents frequently or consistently reduced or turned off their heating to save money. The report also found that 80% of respondents were spending more than 10% of their income heating their homes, while 88% of island and rural dwellings were not connected to the gas grid, leaving many households reliant on more expensive fuels such as electricity and heating oil. 

Donna Smith, Chief Executive of Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) said: 

“The Outer Hebrides faces unique challenges when it comes to housing and energy costs. High fuel prices, older homes and our island geography mean many households are facing impossible choices. 

“We know the difference that trusted, local support can make, but sustained investment is needed to deliver the long-term solutions our communities need. 

“Our vision is of an Outer Hebrides where every household can live in a warm, affordable home, where people are supported to remain independent, and where sustainable community-led housing helps our islands thrive. We are asking policymakers to work with us to make that vision a reality.” 

The full manifesto can be read here. 

Notes to Editors 

Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) is a community-based organisation working across the Western Isles to support people to rent, buy, and live in comfortable, affordable homes; promote independent and sustainable living solutions; and address fuel poverty and energy efficiency. 

 Services include Care & Repair, Housing & Community Development, and the Energy Advice Service (TEAS). 

 For further press information, please contact: 

 Rosie Benny 

Account Executive 

Orbit Communications 

rosie.benny@orbit.scot  

 Rachel Goddard 

Account Director 

Orbit Communications 

rachel.goddard@orbit.scot  

Telephone: 0131 603 8996 

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Through a new supplier registration portal, businesses across Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to explore the commercial opportunities that could arise from the proposed Corr Chnoc Wind Farm.

Renewable energy developer Galileo Empower has launched the portal to formally register interest from local suppliers and contractors who may wish to support the project should consent be granted.

The proposed 11-turbine wind farm, located on land at Dunach Estate, approximately 2km north-east of Kilmore and 5km east of Oban, is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the local area throughout both its construction and operational phases.

The project was originally designed as a 12-turbine development, with one turbine removed following discussions with Argyll and Bute Council. The wind farm would have an operational lifespan of up to 50 years.

Independent analysis estimates the total investment in the project could exceed £100 million, creating significant opportunities for local businesses and contractors throughout the supply chain.

Galileo Empower is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local suppliers and contractors are used throughout the development, construction and operation of the wind farm. The company is therefore keen to hear from businesses across the region that may be able to provide goods, services or expertise.

Potential opportunities include:

• Civil engineering, construction, fencing, drainage and forestry services
• Electrical contracting
• Building materials and equipment supply
• Plant hire and site security
• Waste management and fuel supply
• Accommodation, catering and hospitality services

To maximise awareness of the opportunities available, Galileo Empower is working closely with Bid4Oban (Oban Business Improvement District) and other local organisations to engage with businesses across the area.

An application for consent for Corr Chnoc Wind Farm was submitted to the Scottish Ministers in January 2025 under Section 36 of the Electricity Act. The application is currently being considered by the Energy Consents Unit (ECU), with additional environmental information having been provided following consultation responses.

Galileo Empower Senior Project Manager Ross Jamison said:

“We’ve already directed a number of contracts to local businesses and the launch of this supplier registration portal is an important next step in ensuring local companies are aware of potential opportunities and are well placed to benefit should the project receive consent.

“During construction, the project is expected to support around 100 jobs locally and generate more than £5 million in annual operations and maintenance expenditure. These economic benefits would be in addition to a community wealth fund worth an estimated £19 million over the lifetime of the wind farm, helping to support local priorities and community-led initiatives.”

A spokesperson for Bid4Oban (the Oban Business Improvement District), added: “We warmly welcome the launch of the supplier registration portal, which provides local businesses with a straightforward way to register their interest and stay informed about future opportunities.

“Renewable energy developments such as Corr Chnoc Wind Farm have the potential to attract significant investment into the area, creating jobs, strengthening skills and supporting long-term sustainable economic growth.

“We are pleased to see Galileo Empower’s commitment to prioritising local suppliers and contractors, and we look forward to continuing to work with the company to help maximise the benefits for businesses across the local supply chain.”

The supplier registration portal is now open at www.corrchnocwindfarm.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Galileo Empower

Galileo Empower is a fast-growing pan-European renewable energy developer, owner, and operator, with a mission to make a significant contribution to achieving global emissions-reduction targets.

It aims to achieve this by developing a sufficient number of smart, efficient, high-quality, and integrated green energy projects, enabling renewable energy to become the primary source of electricity for all energy consumers in Europe.

Founded in 2020, Galileo Empower currently has a significant project development portfolio spanning multiple European countries, including the UK, Ireland, Sweden and Germany.

Galileo Empower is developing several renewable energy projects in Scotland, including Corr Chnoc Wind Farm in Argyll and Bute, Craighead Wind Farm in Perth and Kinross, Crosbie Wind Farm in North Ayrshire, Lynemore Wind Farm in Highland and Dorenell Extension Wind Farm in Moray.

Its senior management team comprises leading energy and investment experts with extensive international experience across more than 30 markets.

Galileo Empower’s funders are long-term infrastructure and pension funds with a global footprint, an international mindset and a collaborative mentality.

For further information on Galileo Empower and its UK projects, please visit www.galileoempower.co.uk

The post Local businesses set for economic boost from proposed Corr Chnoc Wind Farm appeared first on Orbit Communications.

Free weekend event at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum aims to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.

Families from across Scotland are being invited to enjoy a unique hands-on construction experience this summer as construction organisation Advance Construction Group hosts The Advance Construction Experience at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum on Saturday 8 August (10am–4pm) and Sunday 9 August (11am–4pm).

The free family event will bring together the Advance Group of companies and industry partners to showcase the exciting world of construction, engineering and infrastructure through interactive activities, live demonstrations and family entertainment. Scottish actor and professional wrestler, Grado, is also set to be a special guest.

Children and young people will have the opportunity to climb aboard real construction machinery, watch live demonstrations, take part in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities, meet professionals working across the industry and discover the wide variety of careers available in one of Scotland’s most important sectors.

Around 10,000 visitors are expected over the weekend, and between 10am and 11am on Saturday, there will be an autism-friendly quiet opening, providing a quieter environment inside the museum with reduced crowds and no vehicle horns.

With demand for skilled workers continuing to grow across housing, infrastructure, renewable energy and regeneration projects, the event has been created to inspire the next generation while challenging outdated perceptions of careers in construction.

A spokesperson for the Advance Group said:

“Construction is one of Scotland’s most exciting and rewarding industries, yet many young people never get the chance to experience it firsthand.

“We wanted to create an event where families can come along together, have fun and discover the technology, machinery, innovation and people behind the projects that shape our towns and cities every day.

“Whether children dream of driving machines, designing buildings, solving engineering challenges or working with the latest technology, there are fantastic career opportunities available. If we inspire even a handful of young people to consider a future in construction, engineering or infrastructure, the event will have been a success.”

The event will also showcase the importance of collaboration across the industry, with charitable organisations, education partners and construction businesses coming together to deliver demonstrations, exhibitions and interactive activities throughout the weekend.

The Advance Construction Experience is fully accessible and free to attend, making it an ideal summer day out for families seeking an engaging and educational outing.

Event Details
The Advance Construction Experience
• Saturday 8 August: 10am – 4pm
• Sunday 9 August: 11am – 4pm
• Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Road, Glasgow G3 8RS

Free tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: THE ADVANCE CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE Tickets, Saturday, August 8  •  10 AM – 4 PM | Eventbrite

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Scottish-based Cullross has submitted a major planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver 212 new homes at Western Harbour, Edinburgh.

The development will offer a mix of private and affordable homes.

As Edinburgh continues to face a housing emergency, which was officially declared in 2023, the delivery of more than 200 new homes on long‑vacant land represents a meaningful contribution to this crisis.

The proposals will transform a prominent waterfront site into a high‑quality, mixed‑tenure development which will provide a wide range of energy‑efficient homes, supported by new amenities and green spaces. The development includes:

• 1–3 bedroom flats

• 2–3 bedroom colony flats

• 5-bedroom townhouses

• External amenity and green space

• Bicycle storage

• Refuse storage
• Car parking

The site forms part of the growing Western Harbour community. The layout reflects the character of Newhaven and has been designed to support sustainable travel, with strong access to pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as nearby bus and tram connections.

The affordable homes within the development are proposed to be professionally managed by Wheatley Group, supporting the delivery of high-quality, long-term affordable housing in the area.

Extensive engagement with the local community has taken place over recent months, including two well-attended public consultation events in January and February 2026 at the Heart of Newhaven, where 116 people participated across both sessions. Meetings have also been held with key stakeholders, including Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council and Western Harbour Owners’ Association.

As a major development, the application will be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council in due course. Project updates will continue to be published at www.western-harbour.com.

Those interested can still register for further information by emailing hello@western-harbour.com, calling 0131 202 3259, or writing to Orbit Communications, 42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ.

Mark Beaton, Director at Cullross, said:

“Submitting this application marks an important step in bringing forward over 200 much‑needed new homes for Edinburgh. At a time when the housing crisis continues to affect communities across Scotland, this development represents a meaningful addition to the city’s housing.

“The proposals make productive use of long‑vacant land and will deliver modern, energy‑efficient homes built with durable materials and professional management at their core. It also offers a mix of house types and sizes to meet varying occupant demands.

“We look forward to continuing constructive dialogue with our neighbours, local stakeholders, and colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council as the application progresses.

The development will be delivered by Cullross, with Cullross Living operating the private units and Wheatley Group, the affordable units. The development will offer a well‑managed, community‑focused environment for all future residents.

“We are pleased to reach this key project milestone and hope to secure consent later this year.”

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This £15 million investment would provide a new Tesco supermarket, create around 100 jobs, and serve as a prominent gateway site into Stonehaven. This will reduce outward travel from Stonehaven for shopping, making the town more sustainable and self-sufficient.

This fresh application follows extensive local consultation and will pave the way for Stonehaven’s first major supermarket, plus an electric vehicle (EV) charging hub.

The fresh application is supported by a new Independent Household Shopping survey commissioned by Ashfield Land on shopping habits in and around Stonehaven, which found a strong need for a new main food superstore in the town, as tens of millions of pounds in potential local spending “leaks” away to towns like Montrose, Portlethen and Banchory every year. (1)

Stonehaven Community Council commissioned its own survey, which found that 81.3 per cent of local residents do their main food shopping outside the town. This survey of over 1,000 residents demonstrated that residents would welcome greater local amenity and choice. (2)

At the first project consultation event on 26 February, 85 per cent of respondents said they wanted a new Tesco at Stonehaven Gateway. By the second consultation event on 26 March, 94 per cent of respondents said they wanted a new Tesco at Stonehaven Gateway.

Stonehaven Community Council also welcomed the resubmission of the application and the findings of their independent retail report.

If consented, Tesco would intend to open the new store in 2027.

Steven McGarva, managing director at Ashfield Land, said: 

“The team is enormously grateful to the local community, who have again taken the time to engage with us. Feedback from our consultation events reflects that residents want greater local retail choice, and we believe there is clear evidence that Stonehaven can accommodate this. We look forward to working with Aberdeenshire Council to progress this application.”

Brian Menzies, Chairman of Stonehaven Community Council, said:

“Our own survey indicates that residents want choice in Stonehaven, and that the community believes the proposed development by Tesco will increase the number of visitors to Stonehaven town centre as a result.

Community engagement has reflected that there is a large demand for additional retail provision and investment in Stonehaven. That is clear from the number of people who have responded and attended consultation events.

Stonehaven and District Community Council supports this application, which represents what the majority of our community has indicated is needed. We look forward to seeing the application considered in full by Aberdeenshire Council.”

-ENDS-

Notes for editors

1. Full Retail Impact Assessment submitted alongside the application.
2. Stonehaven & District Community Council: Supermarket Survey
3. At the first project consultation event on 26 February, 85 per cent of respondents (43 out of 47) said they wanted a new Tesco at Stonehaven Gateway. By the second consultation event on 26 March, 94 per cent of respondents said they wanted a new Tesco at Stonehaven Gateway (33 out of 35 responses).

Further information can be found on the project website (https://stonehavengateway.co.uk/), and this will be updated as the application progresses.

The post Plans for Stonehaven Tesco submitted to Aberdeenshire Council appeared first on Orbit Communications.

Photo courtesy of HarrisonStevens.

Revised proposals for a visitor centre, café, shop, and associated car and coach parking on land at the iconic Glengarry Viewpoint, have been launched by Mars Commercial Property Holdings Ltd, part of the Mars and Black Sheep group of companies.

The proposed viewpoint development will provide visitors with safe parking and a high level of service provision, including food, shopping, and toilet facilities. Very similar in scale and nature to established visitor centres and associated facilities at the Old Man of Storr, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ben Nevis and Glencoe, the proposals are wholly supportive of Highland Council’s broader tourism objectives aimed at improving roadside infrastructure for visitors.

A previous planning application lodged with Highland Council was recently withdrawn by Mars following detailed consideration of a localised water supply and related drainage issue raised at a late stage in the application process. This necessitated a material change to the proposals to satisfactorily address the technical matters raised.

The proposed development represents a significant private-sector investment estimated at £20 million. In addition to jobs created during the construction period, it will employ around 50 people on site, a figure predicted to increase over time. The economic benefits of the development are substantial for a rural area, while significantly contributing to Scottish Government’s strategic tourism strategy.

Since 2017, the Mars and Black Sheep group of companies has invested more than £75 million in the hospitality sector in the Highlands, employing more than 170 people, making it one of the largest investors and employers in the Lochaber and wider Highland area.

The development of Glengarry Viewpoint will provide visitors with the opportunity to safely visit the site and reduce unmanaged stopping. During peak season in particular, traffic at the viewpoint can pose significant safety risks. The existing lay-by would be closed and converted to a standard grass verge to ensure that no motorists stop at this location and they use the proposed designated car park, greatly enhancing road safety.

The existing lay-by would be closed and converted to a standard grass verge to ensure that no motorists stop at this location, and they use the proposed designated car park, greatly enhancing road safety. Onsite facilities will include a dedicated space within the proposed visitor centre for local artisans to display and sell their products. The viewpoint is particularly famous for its views stretching to the farthest reaches of Knoydart on the west coast, with beautiful mountain ranges, and, from this angle, Loch Garry appears to take on the shape of mainland Scotland.

Under the previous ownership, trees have been allowed to grow, completely obscuring views from the iconic viewpoint. These will also be removed as part of the development proposals, giving visitors access to this fabulous vista again. Concerns have been consistently raised over the years about litter, human faeces and general waste being dumped at the viewpoint, which is frequently used as an open-air toilet. By providing a managed facility including toilets and litter collection, the proposed centre will address this, complementing the scenic setting while supporting tourism objectives. Foul drainage from the proposed development buildings will be collected and treated by a bespoke wastewater treatment system, in compliance with the strict Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) regulations that govern such matters.

Furthermore, Mars Commercial, consistent with the group’s well-established hotel and catering businesses in Inverness, Fort William, Invergarry, Loch Lochy and Glen Shiel, is also fully committed to ensuring the use of local supply chains, businesses, firms and services in order to help improve community resilience and increase spending in the local area. Black Sheep Management Group currently operates several very successful hotels in the Highlands – The Whispering Pine Lodge at Spean Bridge, The Cluanie Inn at Glenmoriston, Rokeby Manor at Invergarry and the Ambassador Hotel in Inverness. Additionally, it operates self-catering apartments at St Andrew’s House in Fort William and pizzerias in Fort William and Inverness.

A spokesperson for Mars Commercial said:

“Our proposed development of Glengarry Viewpoint will deliver significant investment in rural tourism support infrastructure, with minimal environmental impacts and enhance the visitor experience. “The previous planning application to Highland Council was withdrawn following detailed consideration of a localised water supply and related drainage issue very recently raised at a late stage in the application process. Our revised proposals satisfactorily address this.

“In addition to delivering a cleaner environment, significantly improved visitor facilities and addressing road safety issues, the development will also deliver local employment opportunities, both directly and via the supply chain. We are also providing local artisans with the opportunity to promote their wares in our visitor centre.

“Visitor centre developments such as these, be it Corrieshalloch Gorge or the Old Man of Storr in the Highlands which, by their very nature, are located in remoter locations, bring considerable socio-economic benefits to the local area, attracting and supporting visitors to the Highlands from other parts of the UK and wider afield.”

The local community will have the opportunity to learn more about the revised proposals, ask questions and provide feedback, prior to the submission of the revised planning application at drop-in events to be held on Thursday 11th June and Thursday 25th June at Glengarry Community Hall, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

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Established run-of-river plant with strong local roots

Allt Mor has been generating renewable electricity since 2015, when it was developed as a joint venture between the Dunalastair Estate and Allt Mor Hydro Ltd. Originally commissioned at 330 kW, the run-of-river plant was later upgraded to a feed-in capacity of 350 kW and now produces around 1.1 GWh of electricity annually. The plant is well-established in the region: the site is well known locally for its glass-fronted powerhouse, visible turbines and an information screen displaying real-time power generation data, life-time output, CO₂ savings and electric vehicle charging station usage.

Nicolas Christoph, Head of Wind, Solar, Hydro and Business Development at Koehler Renewable Energy, commented: “With the acquisition of Allt Mor, we are further expanding our hydropower activities in Scotland. Projects like this demonstrate how reliable renewable generation can be successfully paired with strong local engagement. The plant fits very well with our long-term strategy to invest selectively in well-established and future-oriented renewable energy solutions.”

Contribution to the sustainability strategy and the “Koehler Promise 2030”

With the integration of Allt Mor, Koehler Renewable Energy now operates a portfolio of eight run-of-river hydropower plants in the UK, all located across Scotland, with a combined maximum feed-in capacity of 4.12 MW. The acquisition supports the company’s long-term ambition of expanding renewable energy generation across multiple technologies. It also contributes to the “Koehler Promise 2030,” under which the company aims to generate more renewable energy from its own plants than it consumes in paper production by 2030.

Alan Mathewson, Director Koehler Renewable Energy in the UK, explains: “The Allt Mor plant is a well-established regional project, and very important within the local community. Our team looks forward to meeting and speaking with residents, learning about their views and ensuring a smooth transition in ownership. Small-scale hydropower continues to be a core part of our work in Scotland, and Allt Mor is a strong addition to our long-term investment in this sector.”

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Alex Orr, Managing Director of Orbit Communications

The SNP has defied gravity and won a fifth successive Scottish Parliament election, but fallen short of its target to achieve an overall majority of 65 seats, returning 58 MSPs.

Scotland Results

It is, however, a remarkable result for a party that has been in power for almost two decades and seemed down and out following the UK Parliament election in 2024. The SNP have finished miles clear of a hopelessly fractured pack of opposition parties, delivering a pro-independence majority (with the Greens) of 73 MSPs.

Labour came a very distant second, with 17 MSPs, tying with Reform UK, which has made its electoral breakthrough in Scotland.

The Scottish Greens won a record 15 seats, including their first-ever constituency victories in Glasgow and Edinburgh, taking seats from the SNP. This included the ousting of SNP veteran, Angus Robertson, in Edinburgh Central and the gaining of Nicola Sturgeon’s former seat of Glasgow Southside.

The Conservatives lost their position as the parliament’s largest opposition party, suffering their worst-ever Holyrood election result, finishing with 12 seats. This included the loss of Eastwood, the seat of Tory veteran Jackson Carlaw, to the SNP.

The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, returned 10 MSPs, including gains in Edinburgh Northern, Strathkelvin and Bearsden, and two former SNP Highland seats. This included Kate Forbes’ former seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.

Reform UK’s success, fracturing the unionist vote, helped the SNP return a swathe of constituency seats, despite their share of the vote declining by almost 10 per cent since 2021.

Promising tax cuts and action to curb immigration, it had never had an MSP elected before – previous MSPs had defected from other parties.

Results for the Constituency and Regional Lists can be found here.

What does this mean for Scotland?

The SNP will run as a minority administration, relying on help from other parties to pass legislation and reinstall Swinney as first minister.

Labour and the Conservatives are each in a desperate position, with the former having lost seats at every Holyrood poll since 1999 and the latter scoring their worst ever result.

One suspects Anas Sarwar will still lead the party, in the short to medium term at least. A period of reflection is anticipated, with more pressure heaped on Prime Minister Starmer due to the result.

Reform UK have pledged to “shake up” the parliament, and their introduction will be interesting, with a raft of unknown faces. Having sparked frequent confrontations and fiery rhetoric during the campaign, they may have a similarly explosive impact on the new parliamentary term.

The Scottish Greens and Liberal Democrats will also want to make their mark.

John Swinney has the potential to fully shape this administration, and he has already indicated this by focusing on tackling the cost-of-living crisis and growing the economy. He has also talked of a more co-operative approach in working with the UK Government.

The First 100 Days

In its 100 Days paper, published in April, the SNP outlined its intention for a new administration to “hit the ground running”.

This includes:

• Establishing a First Homes Fund, giving up to £10,000 in support to first-time buyers, will be up and running. The aim is to help 2,000 families within this period.
• Publishing draft legislation to implement a price cap on essential items to be in place by the end of the year. This will, however, require the consent of the UK Government.
• Extending the £2 bus fare cap to Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Inverclyde.
• Opening at least five more GP walk-in clinics and announcing the location of 14 more.
• Setting out additional investment to reduce waiting times and waiting lists and deliver 50,000 operations and procedures.
• Beginning consulting on legislating on phone-free classrooms. Work with education authorities to update guidance to encourage a ban to take place from the start of the new school year in August.
• Publishing a draft Referendum Bill on Scottish independence. Expect this to be rather watered down, given the SNP’s failure to secure an overall majority.

How can Orbit help with a new government?

As we begin analysing, interpreting, and breaking down these results, our Public Affairs team is already opening engagement opportunities for our clients across various sectors.

A new government is a perfect time to begin a new period of strategic engagement, and Orbit Communications is ready to support you in this endeavour.

Our Public Affairs team are experts at:

✍ Translating what Scottish political news and policy developments mean for clients

🏹 Targeting and securing meetings with the most effective stakeholders to relay your concerns and policy priorities.

🗺 Navigating and advising on devolved policy areas.

🎥 Identifying ‘rifle shot’ media and political developments; articulating context and identifying calls to action.

🗣 Giving experienced, proven guidance and counsel during times of intense political and economic change.

➡ Working with clients to deliver their message across sectors as diverse as health, renewables, energy infrastructure, construction, asset land management, luxury leisure and more.

Say hello@orbit.scot to discuss how we can help.

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Alex Orr, Managing Director of Orbit Commnications

Demand for data centres is increasing as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates. With abundant renewable energy, a skilled workforce, a cool climate, and plentiful brownfield land, Scotland is ideally placed to capitalise on this.

However, while the economic opportunity is considerable, developers are facing a growing set of challenges with mounting concerns over environmental impacts and energy use.

The rapid expansion of AI, cloud computing, and data storage has significantly increased electricity demand. While there are just under 500 data centres across the UK, amounting to around 2 per cent of the country’s electricity demand, the grid operator estimates that this demand could increase up to sixfold between now and 2050.

In addition to concerns over energy consumption, environmental concerns add further pressure, with data centres often criticised for their water use, particularly in areas where resources are already constrained.

Alongside these energy and environmental challenges, local communities frequently raise concerns about noise, traffic and visual impact. Misconceptions are widespread, including beliefs that data centres provide limited local benefits or place excessive strain on resources.

These concerns can delay planning approvals or lead to project refusals, even where developments are considered strategically important.

This situation underscores the importance of public education and engagement. Many objections stem from a lack of understanding of the purpose of data centres in addressing an increasingly voracious appetite for data, and how they operate.

Data centres are essential infrastructure, delivering economic benefits through job creation and regional investment, but these advantages are often not clearly communicated.

Far from being a drain on our natural resources, a plentiful supply of renewable energy helps reduce so-called constraint payments, paid to energy generators to switch off due to grid bottlenecks, thereby cutting costs for consumers. Additionally, water use can be substantially reduced through closed-loop systems or treated wastewater reuse, with waste heat reused locally.

Proactive engagement is essential to addressing these issues, with developers increasingly recognising the need to involve communities and stakeholders early in the planning process, to highlight the benefits and tackle the myths.

This includes transparent communication about energy use, environmental mitigation, and local benefits, as well as educational initiatives for planning authorities, who may lack frameworks suited to digital infrastructure.

Building trust is fundamental, with clear communication, transparency and meaningful collaboration helping to bridge the gap between national infrastructure needs and local concerns.

As demand continues to grow dramatically, effective public engagement will be critical to enabling the successful development of future data centre capacity.

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