Friends of the Earth Scotland

20/08/2026

Action needed on data centres ‼️

This week Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP, the Minister in charge of planning, announced that there would be slightly more oversight of the data centres proposed in Scotland – but it does not go far enough.

Demand that the Scottish Government puts a pause on these plans to create proper social and environmental safeguards.

Public pressure has worked globally – from the 500 local bans or restrictions now in place across the US, to Amsterdam where they have banned all new data centre developments, and in Malaysia where public marches have stalled several mega projects.

We can do the same in Scotland.

Email the Minister to stop data centres now: https://act.foe.scot/stop-massive-data-centres

20/08/2026

The local Aberdeen group are making progress on their campaign for Better Buses! Come along to the next meeting on Tuesday 25th August to get involved 📣

At last month’s meeting, the Aberdeen group decided to focus their campaign on pushing Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to operate a publicly owned bus company together – making the bus service truly accountable to those who use it and out of the grips of private bus companies whose primary concern is profit.

The group also elected a coordinator, Rosie Irwin Holbrey, who is excited to get even more stuck into campaigning for better buses in the North East!

You can get in touch at: [email protected]

You can join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, August 25th at 7pm at 100 Crown Street, Aberdeen AB11 6HJ

18/08/2026

The Scottish Government's statement on data centres yesterday does not go far enough to address the crisis in Scotland - it leaves communities worried that big tech developers will rush their plans through before gaps in the planning system close.

The 20+ hyperscale data centres planned for Scotland will have massive energy, water and material impacts.

People and nature deserve to be protected but the Scottish Government has just failed to hold developers to account.

A new direction from the Scottish Government has told all council planning authorities to inform it of any data centre planning applications that they receive. It also requires that two planned data centres in Fife and Edinburgh will have to publish environmental impact assessments.

17/08/2026

Hope! a documentary series rooted in active optimism.

FriendsoftheEarth Falkirk are working with Polmont Community Hub and have been allocated a community licence by Transition International to show 6 HOPE! Films. This will be an opportunity to be inspired, educated and take action locally.

The series starts this Wednesday 19 August 2026, 7-9pm

The films amplify the stories of communities worldwide who are regenerating the planet and building a more just future.

Book your free tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/polmontcommunityhub

14/08/2026

Hate data centres? 😤

Come along to our upcoming events - to hear stories about people fighting them internationally, and gain skills to make change in your local area.

Workshop: Introduction to Campaign Strategy
6.30pm, Wed 19th August, Online

National Meeting: International Resistance to Data Centres
6.30pm, Wed 26th August, Online

Sign up to both events via the link Friends of the Earth Scotland bio 🔗

Make sure to follow campaign groups in Scotland who are fighting data centres across the country - for the latest local demos and actions:
scot Auchtertool Action Group Reject Hunterston Data Centre No West Edinburgh AI
Say No To Larbert Data Centre

If you’re part of another group, add in the comments ✍️

11/08/2026

We are hiring a Campaign Manager to lead our Energy team! 💡

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together our staff working on a fair transition away from fossil fuels to publicly owned renewable energy, through engaging and people-powered campaigns.

Duration: Permanent role

Salary: £42,500-£45,000 (Full-time equivalent) dependent on experience.

Hours: Full time (5 days per week or 35 hours) preferred; 4 or 4.5 days per week may be considered.

Location: Hybrid working arrangements with weekly attendance at one of our offices (Edinburgh or Aberdeen), with regular travel within Scotland and occasional travel in the wider UK/overseas.

Full details and how to apply: https://foe.scot/jobs/

Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 31st August 2026.

Interview date: Wednesday 16th September (in-person at our office in Edinburgh).

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06/08/2026

Resisting a data centre in your neighbourhood?

We are running an online workshop in two weeks for people and communities who want to create change in their local area.

The workshop will give you the skills to plan, build and win strategic and powerful local campaigns.

We’ll hear from Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Head of Movement Building Kate Whitaker, and experienced community campaigner John Young on a deep dive into campaign strategy.

It will take place online and include an hour-long interactive workshop, followed by a Q+A with John Young.

John was a key player in the Dovesdale Action Group who fought off two proposed waste incinerators in South Lanarkshire and helped secure a national moratorium.

📅Wed 19 August
⏰6:30-8pm
📍Online on Zoom

Sign up below, and share with anyone who might be interested!

https://act.foe.scot/introduction_to_campaign_strategy

31/07/2026

The Edinburgh Festivals are back this year and we’ve got a round-up of climate-themed shows for you to head to! 👀

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh International Film Fest Edinburgh Art Festival