ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm has been presented with an international Green Flag Award for a third consecutive year. It’s the only windfarm to receive the accolade, which recognises spaces that meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Whitelee - the UK’s largest onshore windfarm - welcomes around 250,000 walkers, runners, cyclists, and horse riders every year. It received the award for its work with the Whitelee Countryside Ranger Service to provide a positive environmental legacy by enhancing ecological habitats for native bird species and restoring natural peatland.
Barry Carruthers, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director, Onshore said, “Not only is Whitelee a vital part of the UK’s transition to a clean energy future, it’s also a much-loved green space for everyone.
“Winning this award for a third time is testament to our team who manage the site and the hard work that goes into running the UK’s largest onshore windfarm.”
The international Green Flag Award is administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful and acts as a benchmark for recreational outdoor space. Jamie Ormiston, Senior Awards Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said, “It is imperative that Scotland reconnects with the natural world if we are to fix the biodiversity crisis and these green spaces provide a space for people of all ages to do that.”.
Whitelee has more than 130 kilometres of trails to explore, on foot, by cycle or by horse, and free parking. With free entry to our onsite Visitor Centre – host to an exhibition, learning hub and café – and the chance to join daily bus tours of the windfarm, it’s a great destination for a day out with the whole family.
The popular Whitelee Summer Science Club has returned this summer, with a series of “Beginners Guide to the Universe” workshops. Visit www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk for more information.