New windfarm toposcope offers breathtaking panoramic views

A new observation point on Blackwood Hill within the Whitelee Wind Farm site on Eaglesham Moor, was officially opened last week.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 30 July 2012 19:40

A new observation point on Blackwood Hill within the Whitelee Wind Farm site on Eaglesham Moor, was officially opened yesterday by East Renfrewshire Council’s environmental convener Councillor Vincent Waters.

The viewpoint, 1000 feet above sea level, provides stunning views on a clear day from the Antrim coast in the west, Pentland Hills to the east, the Southern Uplands and Merrick to the south and the Highlands in the north.

And at the opening ceremony Ailsa Craig could be clearly seen silhouetted on the horizon.

A specially commissioned bronze toposcope, or point of interest marker, forms the centre point of the observation point. It sits atop a drystane cairn within a drystane perimeter wall built by Ayrshire based tradesman Niall Baird.

The names, direction and distance of notable landmarks such as Ben Lomond, and the Goat Fell are indicated on the toposcope.

Blackwood Hill was selected as it represents the best observation point within easy walking distance of Whitelee Visitor Centre, lying only 1.5 miles to the southeast.

Whitelee’s access project officer Nick Prower said: “The viewpoint really gives people somewhere to head for when they set off from Whitelee Visitor Centre.

“Even in its unfinished state over recent weeks the viewpoint has proved extremely popular with visitors to Whitelee, particularly with family groups as the 3 mile round-trip is achievable even with young children.”

Declaring the viewpoint open, Councillor Vincent Waters said: “I am most impressed with the craftsmanship of this observation point and the views are simply breathtaking.

“The viewpoint has been created at one of the highest points of the wind farm and offers views which stretch almost 100 miles in every direction.

“I was amazed you could see Ailsa Craig as I always thought you had to be close to the Ayrshire coast to get a glimpse of it.

“This viewpoint on Blackwood Hill will I am sure be a magnate for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors who want to expand their horizons.

Thousands of people use the excellent facilities of Whitelee Wind Farm each year and there is a full calendar of events run by the Whitelee countryside ranger service.

Guests at the opening ceremony included East Renfrewshire Council’s chief executive Lorraine McMillan, council leader Councillor Jim Fetcher, local councillor Stewart Miller and representatives from East Ayrshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Power Renewables.

The Whitelee Access Planning Group was also represented by members of the Eaglesham Community Council and Darvel Community Council.

Contractors Niall Baird Drystonewalling, Differentia Design who made the bronze toposcope, W Barr Construction who built the path to the site and Jonathan de Ferranti who provided the original computer generated panorama which formed the outer relief of the toposcope were also at the opening.

The landowners Scottish Water and windfarm operators Scottish Power Renewables were praised for their continued support of the Whitelee Access Project.