Wednesday June 10th 2026
South of Scotland MSP Duncan Dunlop
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
South of Scotland MSP Duncan Dunlop has today expressed his scepticism towards a proposed data centre which developers are proposing to build at a site to the west of Duns between the villages of Longformacus and Westruther.
Developers say this would represent a £2bn investment while opponents have described the proposed data centre – the size of 200 football fields – as a “monster” which would drain “the life and beauty from the landscape”.
On Thursday, Mr Dunlop attended a public meeting at Longformacus village hall held by the developers where he spoke with those supporting the development and with campaigners opposed to the data centre.
After the meeting, Duncan Dunlop said:
“I can certainly understand the logic in using the excess energy generated by Scotland’s wind turbines to support energy intensive industries but I am concerned by both the location and the scale of this project.
“I have now arranged to meet with the Chief Executive of the developer and the landowner to raise the concerns that have been brought to me.
“However, I am extremely sceptical that they will be able to convince me that dropping an 80-foot-high industrial centre into the middle of beautiful moorlands is the correct approach.
“When it comes to major infrastructure developments on their doorstep, communities need to be heard.
“Part of the problem here is that the Scottish Government are still dragging their feet over a national energy plan. Landowners want to be part of a gold rush before a clear plan is in place. Once that plan is published people will be able to scrutinise it, understand what different projects have government support and if necessary, push back against those plans. At the moment developments are simply being brought forward in a haphazard fashion.”
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