Data centres could cause water shortages, higher energy bills and power cuts, documents newly released by the Scottish government under a freedom of information request show.

The potential consequences extend beyond the centres themselves, with implications for the cost and reliability of essential supplies. The risks concern both access to water and the affordability and continuity of electricity.

These are possible consequences, not inevitable outcomes. The disclosure does not in itself establish that data centres have already caused shortages, bill increases or power cuts.