Petition against data centre in Lammermuir Hills tops 25,000 signatures ahead of protest
Last updated 29th Aug 2026
Campaigners opposed to plans to build a data centre in the Lammermuir Hills are holding a peaceful protest outside Floors Castle in Kelso this morning (Saturday).
More than 25,000 people have signed a petition opposing the development near Longformacus.
The company behind the proposals - which is registered to the Duke of Roxburghe's home address - says it will create more than 100 permanent jobs and generate around £12 million a year for the local economy.
This weekend's protest coincides with an inflatable assault course in the grounds of Scotland's largest inhabited house.
But organisers insist they don't intend to disrupt the family event, known as “Inflatable Insanity".
They instead plan to sit, talk, share information and raise awareness of their concerns about the proposed development.
Zach Pygall, from the Save the Lammermuirs campaign, told Greatest Hits Radio: “The proposed site of the data centre is over 20 miles away from the Duke's home, and he certainly won't be the one affected by the noise, heat and pollution it creates. So we thought it was only fair to bring our protest to his doorstep.
“We believe that this is the wrong development in the wrong place. It could be described as insanity from an environmental point of view, and it’s certainly an over-inflated monstrosity to impose on a beautiful corner of the Lammermuirs.
“We'll be peacefully protesting and making sure the Duke's neighbours are well aware of the destructive actions he's trying to undertake.”
The proposed development is being driven by the Duke of Roxburghe and Roxburghe Estates, through Sunlaws Development Company Limited.
Campaigners say they believe the scale of the project would have a significant impact on the landscape, wildlife and surrounding communities.
The ‘Peaceful Protest’ is due to take place outside the Golden Gates at the top of Roxburgh Street, from 10am till noon on August 29th.
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Roxburghe Estates has defended the plans and says the project could bring significant economic benefits to the Scottish Borders and Scotland.
The developers also estimate that around 1,000 workers could be employed during the construction phase.
Jaap Röell, chief executive of Roxburghe Estates, said the company was making details of a presentation given to Scottish Borders councillors available as part of its commitment to transparency.
A planning application is not expected to be submitted to Scottish Borders Council until late 2026 at the earliest.
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