Known across the globe for bringing the courageous Highland warrior Jamie Fraser to life in Outlander, Scottish actor Sam Heughan is once again using his platform to advocate for his homeland—this time raising serious concerns over a massive industrial development planned for the region where he grew up.
Heughan has joined growing local opposition against a proposed hyperscale data centre at Chapelcross, situated on a former nuclear site near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway. While the project’s developers, CX Tech Ltd, have championed the initiative as a major economic boost that could generate hundreds of construction and permanent operational jobs, the actor questions whether the long-term benefits truly outweigh the environmental costs.
Speaking during an appearance on Storm & Alexis on 5, Heughan emphasized that the issue extends far beyond immediate construction figures, urging a closer look at where the financial gains will ultimately flow. He also voiced deep concerns regarding the potential impact on agricultural land, protected grasslands, local wildlife, and the unspoiled natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.
Advocating for caution rather than hasty development, Heughan called for a temporary halt to the proceedings. “I think a pause or moratorium is the right way to start this,” he noted.
Having spent roughly twelve years filming Outlander, Heughan has witnessed firsthand how Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and sweeping highlands captivate an international audience. For the actor, preserving that natural heritage remains paramount, ensuring that large-scale industrial projects do not jeopardize the country’s long-term environmental and tourism strengths.
As public debate intensifies, Dumfries and Galloway Council continues to review a substantial volume of representations from both supporters and opponents. Meanwhile, Scottish ministers have confirmed that new national guidance for data centre developments will be published, with no definitive planning decisions expected until those guidelines are in place.
Source: Compiled from various sources
