Data Centres in Scotland: Gold Rush or Bubble?

We join campaign group Pensioners for Independence at the Bacchus Bar in Glasgow to find out more. Dr Craig Dalzell, Head of Policy at the Scottish Common Weal, takes on the most pressing question facing Scotland's energy-rich future and unpacks the real economics behind the hype: Can Scotland afford to pass this up? Or are we about to cover our landscape with massive infrastructure for an industry that could collapse faster than it arrived?

Data centre operators are circling our abundant renewables. Potentially massive investment, likely some jobs, and mitigation of the scandal of curtailment payments — but also ecological concerns, energy competition with households, and the risk of backing tomorrow's obsolete technology.

Should Scotland seize the opportunity to become Europe's AI powerhouse, or are we chasing the next tech bubble? Is it fracking all over again?

If you care about Scotland's economic future, energy policy, or simply want straight answers instead of corporate spin, this is essential viewing.

Key topics:

00:02:17 Why do they want AI? 00:05:25 What are data centres? 00:10:25 The AI bubble 00:12:19 Why so many data centres? 00:14:47 What will AI be useful for? 00:21:09 Who owns the data centres? 00:24:18 Digital sovereignty 00:27:33 How to regulate a data centre 00:32:08 Will Scotland rein AI in? 00:33:40 Commonweal's prospectus for Scotland

00:34:44 Audience Q+A

Find out more about Commonweal's crowdfunder here: https://www.commonweal.scot/crowdfunder

Bella Caledonia article: https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/09/23/where-are-we-in-the-fight-against-hyperscale-data-centres/

#AIdatacentre #hyperscale #techbubble

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

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If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

We chat with Grace Stevens from the Glasgow branch of Living Rent, Scotland's tenants and community union. We cover current campaigns, tactics and aspirations for a society bult, led by and organised for the people.

Key topics discussed: 00:00:40 What is Living Rent? 00:02:13 How could the Tourist Tax levy be used to benefit everybody 00:15:25 Catching Transport Minister Stephen Flynn's attention 00:17:58 Rent controls legislation and loopholes 00:29:10 Glasgow's housing crisis 00:35:00 Community direct action 00:42:12 How to get involved

Find out more from https://livingrent.org/campaigns

#livingrent #touristtax #directaction

The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

1. Scottish Currency Group Conference 2026 | Expert Panel & Live Q&A TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW — Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from an expert panel and make your voice heard. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-currency-group-conference-2026-the-final-report-tickets-1990728596822 24th October | Dunfermline, Scotland On 24th October in Dunfermline, the Scottish Currency Group is hosting a landmark conference bringing together economists, policymakers, and curious minds for an in-depth look at the case for Scottish monetary independence. Leading macroeconomist Thibault Laurentjoye (Associate Professor in Macroeconomics, Aalborg University) will present his groundbreaking report on this vital topic. Whether you're interested in currency policy, economic sovereignty, or just want to understand the arguments, this conference is unmissable In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Ian Stewart, Chair of the Scottish Currency Group, to get an insider's preview of what's happening on the day. What will Professor Laurentjoye's report reveal? Who's on the expert panel? And most importantly—what questions do YOU need answered? Key themes in this episode: 00:00:42 What's happening at the SCG Conference? 00:10:23 Was Salmond ambushed by Osborne in 2014? 00:12:16 Reassurance needed about Scottish currency 00:20:24 Convincing Scotgov to engage 00:27:15 Welsh Senedd more proactive approach 00:35:55 Who else is on the Expert panel #ScottishCurrency #Economics #Scotland #Conference2026 #MacroeconomicsPanel

   The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

   Get in touch: Email: indypodcasters@gmail.com Bluesky: @scottishindypod

   Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

   Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

   We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters

   If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

   Music:

   Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

   Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.