Scottish Power Renewables Whitelee Windfarm visitor centre

Glasgow Science Centre appointed manager and operator of ScottishPower Renewables’ first ever visitor centre at Whitelee Windfarm.

Located just 20 minutes from Glasgow City Centre, on Eaglesham Moor, East Renfrewshire, the visitor centre is the first of its kind in Scotland and will be open to the public in September.

The Visitor Centre is host to detailed exhibitions explaining methods of renewable power generation, the local environment, construction of the windfarm and a unique education hub where both children and adults can learn about the operation of windfarms and renewable energy under the tutorship of specially trained staff.

Whitelee Visitor Centre also plays a key role in the new Whitelee Access project. As part of the windfarm construction over 90kms of roads and tracks were built. These are open to the public and are suitable for a range of activities including walking, cycling and horse riding. Visitors can also enjoy views stretching all the way to the west highlands and observe the wildlife, including Merlin and Black Grouse.

A programme of access improvements is planned over the next two years, with work starting in the autumn to further improve facilities both within the windfarm and across the surrounding area. This will include the development or upgrading of recreational paths, additional car parking, viewpoints, signage and on-site interpretation. A ranger service will also be established to assist visitors and promote greater use of the Whitelee area.

Glasgow Science Centre operates the iconic Titanium buildings on the banks of the Clyde where visitors, schools and special interest groups congregate to enjoy over 300 interactive exhibits and shows.

Keith Anderson, Director, ScottishPower Renewables said: “Glasgow Science Centre brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this project and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.

“Being Europe’s largest operational windfarm, Whitelee is an amazing feat of engineering and we want to share that with as many people as possible.”

Kirk Ramsay, Chief Executive of Glasgow Science Centre, said.

“This is a unique partnership and we are proud to be managing the Visitor Centre at Europe’s largest onshore windfarm. GSC is excited by the opportunity we’ve had to contribute to the planning and design of the exhibits and the Centre.

"We’ll be using our skills and knowledge to deliver an outstanding experience for visitors whether for a leisure visit or to further the educational aims of the development when it opens in September”.