Whitelee Windfarm’s ‘Nae Fireworks Nights’ cancelled due to COVID

Normally a welcome haven for thousands of dogs and their owners from the noise, stress and anxiety caused by fireworks, the events traditionally offer guided torch walks, pet therapy and access to café and toilet facilities.

All planned activity has now been cancelled for 2020 and the café and toilet facilities will remain closed throughout.

ScottishPower Renewables owns and operates Whitelee – the biggest onshore windfarm in the UK – and the site is staffed 24/7.

The company also funds the Whitelee Countryside Rangers service, which is provided by East Renfrewshire Council, with support from South Lanarkshire Council.

Kate Elliott is one of the Countryside Rangers who organise the annual event. She said: “Whitelee is the perfect place to host the ‘Nae Fireworks Nights’ as it’s illegal to set off fireworks at the windfarm.

“‘Nae Fireworks’ is one of our favourite events of the year and it’s been great to see it grow from strength to strength to become a popular safe place for dogs and their owners, away from the impact of fireworks.

“We’re as disappointed as our visitors that it can’t take place this year, but look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”

On a more positive note, Whitelee Visitor Centre, which has been closed since March, has now reopened to the public – at weekends only.

Food and drink takeaway is available from the café between 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with toilet facilities also open during this time.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Whitelee, visit the Whitelee Windfarm website or East Renfrewshire Council website.

You can also follow Whitelee and the Whitelee Countryside Rangers Service on Facebook and Twitter.