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

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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

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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

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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.

The Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections in May this year resulted in three of the four nations of the UK electing First Ministers who support self determination for their people. This week a meeting took place in Cardiff between the party leaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein to explore areas of common cause in which they can co-operate to further their respective agendas. They then held a press conference address and Q+A session. In this episode, Fiona and Marlene pick out some highlights from the press conference and alsohome in on a couple of areas where Scotland seems to be lagging behind the other two nations in making preparations for constitutional change.

Key themes: 00:01:08 Lewis from SPVR.org describes the vibe in the room 00:07:26 Opening remarks from Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru 00:09:27 Opening remarks from John Swinney, SNP 00:13:23 Opening remarks from Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein 00:16:25 Opening remarks from Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein 00:21:00 Q: Won't this be just as divisive as Brexit? 00:29:13 Q: When and how will Westminster come to an end? 00:38:59 Q: What is each nation's ask of Andy Burnham 00:47:09 Q: Is this all smoke and mirrors to distract from the day job?

We are grateful to Lewis from https://SPVR.org for sharing his footage from the event with us.

Links from the discussion:

Believe in Scotland petition: https://www.believeinscotland.org/indyref_petition

Commonweal New Prospectus info and crowdfunder: https://www.commonweal.scot/prospectus-for-a-new-state

#celticalliance #scottishindependence #cardiff

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.

What does the future of public transport in Glasgow really look like? In this episode, we chat with Susie Wood from the Get Glasgow Moving campaign to explore one of Scotland's most ambitious transport initiatives.

We look at:

The campaign's manifesto — what are they fighting for, and what's their vision for Glasgow's commuters? The franchising framework — what d opportunities does this model present for the city and how can we overcome the barriers? The petition - how can you get involved?

Find out more about the campaign here: https://www.getglasgowmoving.org/

Sign the petition here: https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2246

#getglasgowmoving #betterbuses #busfranchise

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.

Pensioners for Independence hosts guest speaker Gordon Morgan, Commonweal energy researcher, who delivers an insightful presentation on nuclear energy generation and the broader nuclear industry.

In this episode, Gordon explores the history of nuclear power and changing attitudes within the Uk political sphere . Following his presentation, Gordon engages directly with our audience, answering a wide range of thoughtful questions on nuclear technology, decommissioning, renewable alternatives and related topics.

Key chapters:

00:02:20 The history of nuclear power to date 00:09:06 The true cost of nuclear power generation- and who pays for it 00:13:07 The fantasy of Small Modular Reactors 00:19:30 Changing attitudes in Uk and Scottish politics 00:25:34 Questions from the audience

We are grateful to Pensioners for Indy for sharing their event with us. You can find out more about Pensioners for Indy here https://pensionersforindependence.scot/

#nuclearpower #scottishgovernment #grassroots

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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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.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Bill Kidd, former Scottish MSP and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, as he shares his expertise on one of the most pressing global issues: nuclear weapons and energy policy.

In this Pensioners for Independence meeting, Bill draws on his extensive background in peace activism to explore the complex intersections of nuclear weapons proliferation, energy security, and international diplomacy. As a key advocate for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), he offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of nuclear disarmament and the challenges facing the global peace movement.

Throughout the episode, Bill addresses audience questions on topics including:

00:04:09 Nuclear power incidents

00:05:45 Kazakhstan - USSR test bombs

00:07:43 Nuclear power plants - illusions of safety

00:09:44 UK government plans for nuclear bomb testing in Sutherland

00:11:08 The radioactive legacy of nuclear power

00:14:32 Retiring from Holyrood, not from campaigning

00:15:45 Humanity cannot live indefinitely with nuclear weapons or nuclear power

Questions from the audience:

00:17:55 What vested interests do we need to be aware of?

00:24:41 Modular reactors in Scotland

00:27:09 Presenting anti nuclear views

00:32:45 Perceived influence through nuclear weapons

00:35:17 Impact on UK if weapons removed from the Clyde

00:37:31 Dark money and political parties

00:39:32 Would we rent out Faslane to UK?

00:42:45 Is nuclear weapons use now more likely?

00:48:25 Did NATO aggression start the Russian attack on Ukraine?

00:52:51 Reform UK's plans for Scotland

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.

81 Years After Hiroshima: Scottish CND Commemorates & Campaigns for Nuclear Disarmament

This August, Scottish CND marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing with two powerful ceremonies—a gathering at Glasgow's Peace Garden and a vigil at Faslane Nuclear Base. Join Fiona and Marlene as they reflect on these moving commemorations and what they reveal about our ongoing struggle for a nuclear-free world.

But this episode goes beyond remembrance. We also hear from two academic researchers who tackle the hard questions facing our movement:

🔴 The Reality of Nuclear Risk: Hugh Irving presents shocking simulations revealing the potential impact of a nuclear strike on Faslane—forcing us to confront the dangers of nuclear weapons on Scottish soil.

🟢 The Power of Positive Change: Rhys Crilley challenges us to rethink our messaging, exploring how anti-nuclear campaigners can craft compelling, hopeful narratives that resonate globally and strengthen our collective push for disarmament.

Whether you're a seasoned campaigner or new to these issues, you'll find inspiration, evidence, and hope in this conversation.

What will you do with what you learn?

key chapters: 00:02:24 High Irving presentation - simulations of nuclear strikes on the Clyde 00:09:58 Rhys Crilley presentation - nuclear disarmament in the Third Nuclear Age 00:20:40 Images and reflections from the vigil at Faslane 00:26:13 Ceremony at the Peace Garden at the Glasgow Botanics 00:28:26 Dr Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Provost of Glasgow 00:32:02 Samuel Rafanell-Williams, Scottish CND 00:36:43 Bill Kidd, former MSP and Nobel Peace Prize nominee 00:42:18 David Peutherer, Glasgow CND 00:48:38 Tree planting accompanied by Protest in Harmony Glasgow

Thanks to Margaret Ferguson Burns for the additional images from Faslane.

Find out more about Scottish CND here https://banthebomb.org Watch the full CND webinar here https://youtu.be/NgkVtlRhAx0?si=2Te0pAgwHxiDaauy

#nucleardisarmament #hiroshima #scottishcnd

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.