Part 1: Make It Scotland’s AI

Scottish wealth should serve the people who live here- not be siphoned off by multinationals or a distant Westminster government focused on its own priorities.

In the 1970s, Margo MacDonald distilled the complex politics of North Sea oil into three unforgettable words: “It’s Scotland’s Oil.” That slogan captured the essence of resource nationalism and challenged Scots to take ownership of their natural wealth. It propelled the SNP from the political fringes into national prominence and put Scotland firmly back on the map- no longer a North British afterthought, but a country with something the world wanted.

SNP Scotland’s Oil Leaflet, c.1972 © Scottish Political Archive, University of Stirling

Today, we face a similar moment of opportunity. The question is the same: who benefits from Scotland’s resources? The answer should be just as clear. Our wealth should serve the people who live here- not be siphoned off by multinationals or a distant Westminster government focused on its own priorities. What we need to prevent the resource drain is one collective foot on the end of the Scottish export pipe.

The idea behind “It’s Scotland’s Oil” never died. It simply needs to evolve. And now, we have a new resource worth protecting.

The future demands a new slogan: “It’s Scotland’s AI.”

The Reverse Tariff: Using Our Advantages at Home

Donald Trump demonstrated how import tariffs can alienate partners yet boost domestic popularity. But a different kind of tariff - an export tariff - could offer Scotland a major strategic advantage. By ensuring domestic companies pay less than the global market rate for key resources, we can transform our economic landscape.

Take oil, gas, electricity, and AI compute as examples.

Oil & Gas

As internationally traded commodities, their prices are set by global forces- not local needs. An independent Scotland could lower the price of oil and gas for domestic use, instantly making energy-intensive industries more competitive. Instead of Grangemouth winding down, it could be expanding. Lower household bills would follow overnight.

Energy

Norway is learning the hard way that unlimited energy exports push domestic prices up. The Norwegians are responding by throttling their export cables to make domestic electricity cheaper- protecting their own industries and households. Scotland could do the same. If we want to build world-leading robotics or advanced manufacturing, cheap domestic energy is the foundation.

AI Compute

A global AI arms race is underway. Countries are building data centres at extraordinary speed. In the US alone, projected AI demand could require the equivalent of 40 new nuclear reactors just to power future data infrastructure.

Scotland, with vast renewable capacity, can play a major role in this new ecosystem. But we must ask a critical question:

Should we simply export the benefits of our energy and data capacity, or use them to build a stronger Scotland?

How Scottish Communities Can Win From AI

Scotland has a proud history of enlightenment, but it was not born from grand institutions. It began when ordinary Scots were taught to read so they could study the Bible. Once educated, our ancestors used their new skills to innovate, question, and transform society.

AI can trigger a similar revolution but only for those who have access.

Imagine every Scot having a personalised tutor in their pocket: patient, tireless, and able to teach any subject, at any level, at any pace. Ask AI to explain quantum physics to a five-year-old, and it does- instantly and clearly. This is just the beginning.

Today’s young people already turn to YouTube to learn trades, repair bikes, and acquire new skills. When AI begins consuming that content and generating personalised, practical video courses, learning will leap to another level entirely. Traditional universities, selling outdated courses at exorbitant fees, will struggle to justify their relevance.

We must ensure Scotland is not a passive consumer in this transformation.

A New Deal for Data Centres

I am not suggesting the state should nationalise AI data centres. The sector moves too fast and carries too much risk. But we can negotiate a fairer settlement.

Where data centres are built, communities should receive a share of the benefits. That means:

• Free AI access for every school, home, and business in the area

• Guaranteed local educational uplift

• Support for new skills, new industries, and new opportunities

Rather than being seen as drains on energy, land and water; data centres could become engines of economic revival- especially in Scottish towns that have been overlooked for decades.

Conclusion

Just as oil once reshaped Scotland’s political imagination, AI now offers a chance to reshape our future. We have the resources, the energy, and the talent. What we need is the will to ensure these assets serve the people who live here.

The message is simple, powerful, and long overdue:

It’s Scotland’s AI.