THE popular Visitor Centre at Whitelee Windfarm is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Opened to the public in September 2009 with the aim of bringing energy and education together, the building is an interactive exhibition, learning hub and café.

Having also recorded more than one million visitors, it’s a double celebration for the site at the UK’s largest onshore wind farm.

ScottishPower Renewables’ CEO Charlie Jordan and MP for East Renfrewshire Blair McDougal paid a visit to highlight the centre’s contributions.

Mr Jordan said: “The Whitelee Visitor Centre has been a beacon of renewable energy generation, education and community engagement for the past 15 years.

“It’s become a much-loved recreational space for so many and has been given the Green Flag Award for four years running – the only windfarm to receive the accolade.

"We’re proud of the impact it has made and look forward to continuing to lead the way in onshore renewables.”

Simon Beattie, visitor centre manager at Whitelee, added: “We’ve welcomed people of all ages and from all over the world to Whitelee Visitor Centre over the last 15 years.

"It’s a pleasure to offer visitors a little insight into the windfarm, and to share more with them about renewables, the wider energy sector and to inspire future generations with STEM learning and more.”

Whitelee Visitor Centre hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including an education programme for students from primary school through to university.

There are also two full-time Countryside Rangers based at the windfarm as part of the Whitelee Access Project.

The windfarm boasts 130km of trails, which are enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and runners and has become the exclusive venue for Run the Blades - one of the UK’s largest trail running events.