NFU Scotland raises concerns over Fife AI data centre

NFU Scotland has warned against taking productive farmland out of food production after plans were lodged for a 600MW artificial intelligence (AI) data centre near Auchtertool in Fife.

The £5bn proposal, submitted by infrastructure developer Intelligent Land Investments (ILI), would create an AI-focused data centre campus on what is now agricultural land.

Campaigners have claimed the proposed 600MW facility could consume electricity equivalent to that used by more than half of Scotland’s households.

See also: Opinion: Why we need to stay in control of artificial intelligence

The Fife proposal comes amid a wider expansion of AI data centres across Scotland, including plans for an AI industrial park in Ayrshire, as concerns grow over the sector’s energy and water demands.

Responding to the plans, an NFU Scotland spokesman said: “We do not want to see agricultural land being taken out of production. Scotland’s farmland is a finite and increasingly valuable resource and we do not support whole scale land use change.

“While we recognise the importance of AI development, productive agricultural land should not be lost unnecessarily when alternative sites may be available.

“Food security, rural livelihoods, the views of the community affected and sustainable land use must remain central considerations in any planning decision.”

The Scottish Greens have also urged planners at Fife Council to reject the application.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said: “Scotland is sleepwalking into an AI nightmare. Hyperscale data centres are being proposed with no strategy coming from government or councils to control their location, size or environmental impact.”

He added: “The very least Fife Council should be doing is requiring a proper environmental assessment of the Auchtertool proposal.”

Tonight's meeting in Auchtertool about the 600MW AI data centre.
Fifers are furious. Looks like Fife Council fast-tracking data centre despite it:
– Consuming half of Scottish household electricity
– No Environmental Impact Assessment EIA
– Looking like it has landed from space pic.twitter.com/sNm9p3Gy83

— Simon Forrest (@SimonForrest11) June 3, 2026

The plans have attracted opposition from local residents, environmental campaigners and community representatives, who argue the development’s scale and energy demands raise significant concerns.

According to planning documents, the proposed campus would be developed in phases and could represent billions of pounds of investment.

ILI said the project would help establish Fife as a key location for digital infrastructure and create high-quality local jobs.

Public consultation open

Fife Council confirmed the planning application had been submitted on 25 May 2026 and is currently open for public consultation. 

The proposed development forms part of ILI’s plans for a wider network of Scottish data centres.

The Scottish government has been approached for comment.