Leading Geoscientist and broadcaster, Professor Iain Stewart, joined pupils from Eaglesham Primary to launch the new activity programme at Whitelee Visitor Centre for 2011.

Built by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), as part of the development of Europe’s largest windfarm, Whitelee, the visitor centre has already welcomed over 120,000 people through its doors since opening in September 2009.

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 provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about renewable energy and the windfarm.

It includes a hands-on interactive exhibition explaining methods of renewable power generation, the local environment, construction of the windfarm and a learning hub where both children and adults are able to learn about the operation of windfarms and renewable energy under the tutorship of specially trained staff.

For 2011 SPR has upgraded and developed a number of the interactive exhibits, refreshed parts of the exhibition and will be introducing a number of new events, including stargazing and storytelling.

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables said:”The response to the opening of Whitelee Visitor Centre has amazed everyone and we are delighted that so many people have taken an interest in the windfarm.

“2011 is all about growing on this success and developing our activity programme and continuing to educate to as many people as possible about the important role that renewables play now and in the future.”

Professor Iain Stewart said: “Having Whitelee Windfarm visitor centre is a huge asset for anyone interested in learning more about renewable energy and who wants to see a windfarm up close.

“I grew up not far from here and have seen extremely positive changes to the surroundings and think it’s fantastic that Whitelee has become a key resource for school science education.”

Notes to Editors:

• ScottishPower Renewables is part of Iberdrola Renovables, the largest wind energy company in the world with an installed capacity of more than 12,000 MW at the end of 2010, and a pipeline of over 60,000 MW. ScottishPower Renewables had around 930 MW of installed capacity at the end of 2010, and a pipeline of more than 7,400 MW.


• Iberdrola Renovables has a presence in 23 countries around the world.


• www.scottishpowerrenewables.com


• Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre is managed on behalf of ScottishPower Renewables by Glasgow Science Centre.


• www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk

Media Information: Paul Ferguson: 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924