Proposed £2bn AI Data Centre in Scottish Borders Threatens Ancient Bronze Age Cairns

Sunlaws Development Company and Roxburghe Estates, owned by Charles Innes-Ker, have unveiled plans for the Southside data centre, a £2 billion AI facility covering about 151 hectares in the Lammermuir hills of the Scottish Borders. The project would consist of three structures up to 24 metres tall, delivering 225 MW of power. Historic Environment Scotland, reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment scoping, noted that while no nationally important heritage assets lie within the site, the development could significantly affect the setting of the Dirrington Great Law and Dirrington Little Law Bronze Age burial cairns, altering visual corridors and the historic landscape.

The council’s heritage officer echoed concerns about potential impacts on scheduled monuments in the sensitive upland area. Campaigners with the Save the Lammermuirs group argue the cairns’ cultural value is inseparable from their surroundings and oppose the project. The developers responded that a comprehensive EIA will be undertaken and that any heritage findings will be incorporated into the planning submission.