Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Hoy was joined by over 2,500 keen visitors who attended a family-themed open day at Black Law Windfarm on Sunday (15 June). The free event was organised as part of the British Wind Energy Association’s wind weekend, with more than 20 windfarms across the UK opening their doors to members of the public.

Visitors were keen to get a first-hand view of the UK’s largest on-shore windfarm in operation. The 54 turbines at Black Law are capable of delivering an output of 124MW - enough clean green energy to power over 70,000 homes.

Champion cyclist Chris Hoy took some time out of his busy training schedule ahead of this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing to join Scottish Cycling’s ‘Go-Ride’ team - highlighting bicycle safety.

Chris Hoy leads Scottish Cycling's 'Go Ride' team who were promoting safe cycling at the Black Law windfarm open day.

Managers from ScottishPower Renewables were also on-site during the day and were happy to answer any questions that visitors had about the workings of the windfarm and about renewable energy in general.

Other activities enjoyed on the day included guided tours of the site on Stagecoach Bio-Fuel buses, Glasgow Science Centre’s “It’s a Gas” show, face painting, magicians and much more.

Keith Anderson, Director, ScottishPower Renewables said: “The open day was a huge success and we are delighted that so many people chose to come along to Black Law to get a close-up view of the windfarm and to learn a bit more about renewable energy.

“We are also extremely grateful to Chris Hoy for taking the time out of his busy schedule in order to be a part of the day.

“ScottishPower Renewables has a committed approach to working closely with local communities and we believe that open days are a great way of breaking down barriers - they allow access to anyone who wishes to see a windfarm in operation and understand more about the way it works. Hopefully as a result of this kind of direct interaction more people will be aware of the important role that renewable resources have to play in meeting all our energy demands.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

The integration of Iberdrola and ScottishPower, successfully completed on April 23 2007, has created a new organisation, which is one of the largest electricity groups in Europe with an enterprise value of around €80 billion, a presence in more than 30 countries and 22 million points of supply. The new group is also the world’s number one renewable energy operator with 7,000 MW of installed capacity and a pipeline of more than 40,000 MW.
For more information about the British Wind Energy Association’s wind weekend log on to www.embracewind.com