A project has started to construct a number of bespoke mountain bike trails within the area of an on-shore wind farm at Whitelee, near Eaglesham.

The development, which is situated just 10 miles south of Glasgow, will add to the series of tracks across the 215-turbine wind farm.

East Renfrewshire Council is leading the project on behalf of Whitelee Access Project partners, with additional funding support being provided by East Renfrewshire's LEADER 2009-2012 programme.

The project has been designed by Bristol-based trail specialists Architrail.

-- Advertisement --

Located within a former borrow pit which was created during the construction of Whitelee wind farm, the new course will be set just 500m from the Whitelee Visitor Centre. Once completed, the facilities – which includes a pump track and skills area – will suit a range of users. A large picnic and viewing area, with wet weather shelters will also be provided for visitors to the facility.

Commenting on the project, East Renfrewshire Council's Environment Convener, Councillor Vincent Waters, said: "I am delighted the contractors are now on site. This is a very exciting addition to Whitelee Windfarms's facilities and will attract mountain bike enthusiasts, from not just Glasgow and the west of Scotland, but from all over the country.

"I have been told that some cyclists travel up to three hours each way to similar mountain bike facilities and having this unique location within the country's biggest on shore windfarm, is bound to lure people to Whitelee."

Work commenced on the project late last month and is scheduled for completion in May 2014.

(JP/IT)