Wish you were here?

AN ATTEMPT to turn Scotland's biggest wind farm into a tourist attraction is under way, with the creation of a huge network of cycle paths among the turbines.

During the construction of Whitelee Wind Farm on Eaglesham Moor near Glasgow, 50 miles of road were built to access the turbines.

Once the project is complete, the road will no longer be used by traffic, so ScottishPower Renewables plans to turn it into a network for cyclists, who will be able to wind their way around the turbines while taking in the views of the moor.

A sustainable visitor centre will also be built, providing information about wind power and renewable energy, and an electric and hydrogen powered bus will take people on tours of the site.

The aim is for the multi-million-pound attraction to entice families of cyclists, walkers and even horseriders, who can look at the wind farm at the same time as enjoying the huge moor, which is home to buzzards, black grouse, merlin and other birds.

There is currently permission for 140 turbines, but that could rise to 176 if a new application is successful.

Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary, who yesterday cut the first turf at the site of the new visitor centre, said it would provide a chance to "convert the sceptics" by educating them about renewable energy.

"This visitor centre presents an opportunity for the industry to emphasise the positives of wind farms," he said.

Mr Browne emphasised his support of wind power, describing it as a "key technology with an important role to play in delivering a secure, affordable and diverse energy mix for the UK". He added: "I personally think the turbines add to the skyline here."

He said he thought that, just as there would be a "furore" if a traditional windmill was knocked down today, people will become attached to modern turbines.

"These are the modern technological version of the windmill," he said. "In years to come people will put preservation orders on them."

Specially trained staff will be on hand at the visitor centre to teach adults and children about renewable energy. It will also be kitted out with a café and showers. The moor lies just 12 miles from Glasgow city centre, making it accessible to thousands of visitors.

Andrew Jamieson, regulation director at ScottishPower Renewables, said: "We want to encourage people to come and see the wind farm in operation and to learn about renewables."

So far, 55 turbines at Whitelee have been connected to the grid, making it the largest operational onshore wind farm in the UK.

When it is completed in 2009, it will be the largest in Europe, generating 322 megawatts – enough clean energy for a city the size of Glasgow. A 108-turbine offshore wind farm – the UK's fourth-largest – was approved yesterday.

Sherringham Shoal will be built off the coast of Norfolk by Scira Offshore Energy and will generate enough energy to power 178,000 homes.

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