Sam Heughan: 'I don't know why we're investing in it at all as a nation'
Outlander star Sam Heughan criticises Scotland's data centre boom, opposing plans near Glasgow and Dumfries over AI concerns and damage to the surrounding area.
The Herald's Business HQ reports that Outlander star Sam Heughan has criticised Scotland's data centre boom and opposed plans near Glasgow and Dumfries, citing concerns about AI and damage to the surrounding area. This piece relies only on that headline and summary. For the full context, read the original report before drawing conclusions from it.
Why this matters for Scottish small firms
Data centres are the large buildings that run the computing power behind online services and AI tools. Most small businesses will never host one, but many already rely on services that do. When a public debate turns to whether Scotland should keep backing this kind of investment, it can affect planning decisions, the cost and availability of hosting, and how customers feel about the companies they buy from. None of that has been settled by this story. It does mean the subject is now in the public conversation, and owners who use AI tools in daily work should expect more questions about them.
What it means for owners and managers
For owners and managers of small and medium businesses in Scotland, the practical question is how this changes what a small business should do next, especially with AI. The answer is less about the planning fight itself and more about your own exposure. Which tools handle customer details? Where is that information stored? What do your contracts say about data, and what happens if a supplier changes its terms? A news story is a reason to check these points, not a reason to change everything at once.
What to do this month
Pick one AI tool or cloud service your business uses for customer or staff information. Write down where its data is stored, who can access it, and what happens to it if you stop using the service. Ask the supplier to confirm those answers in writing, then decide whether anything needs to change. Keep the review short and plain, and record what you found so the next check is easier.
Source: The Herald · Business HQ