The Glasgow Science Centre was today 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 will be the first of its kind in Scotland and is due to open in September.

It will include a detailed exhibition explaining methods of renewable power generation, the local environment, construction of the windfarm and a unique education hub where both children and adults will be able to learn about the operation of windfarms and renewable energy under the tutorship of specially trained staff.

Whitelee Visitor Centre will also play a key role in a new Whitelee Access project. As part of the windfarm construction 82km of roads and tracks have been built, which on completion of the project in September, will be open to the public for a range of activities including walking, cycling and horseriding. Visitors will be able to enjoy views stretching all the way to the west highlands and observe the wildlife, including Merlin and Black Grouse, forming part of the 25.5km² of habitat management area.

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, improved 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”.

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Photo caption - l to r - Keith Anderson and Kirk Ramsay outside the Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre