A wind farm visitor centre has introduced a new app to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

ScottishPower Renewables has partnered with WelcoMe to introduce the app at its Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre.

The app allows visitors to book their visits online, specify their disability or additional needs, and request adjustments in advance.

This information is then sent to the visitor centre team, who use it to prepare for each visitor's specific requirements.

Simon Beattie, manager at Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, said: "By offering the WelcoMe app, we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs, can fully enjoy their experience.

"This app empowers our visitors to communicate their needs in advance, allowing us to provide the best possible experience tailored to each person’s requirements."

The app allows visitors to specify their disability or additional needs (Image: ScottishPower) The app is also used to train staff in supporting visitors with additional needs, providing them with tips and training materials.

Simon added: "WelcoMe also offers staff in-app training with links to a huge variety of training videos to guide them on how to support visitors with additional needs.

"This means our staff feel empowered and better equipped to assist each of our visitors and help make their experience the best it can be."

The initiative sets a new standard in the energy sector, with ScottishPower Renewables being the first renewable developer to offer such a service at its visitor centre.

This move aligns with ScottishPower Renewables' commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and accessibility.

The visitor centre already hosts autism-friendly sessions on the last Sunday of every month, ensuring a sensory-friendly environment for all visitors.

WelcoMe, launched in 2019, is an app dedicated to creating accessible and equitable environments.

It is used by more than 220 companies across various sectors in the UK, including retail, hospitality, leisure centres, and tourist attractions.

Gavin Neate, CEO and founder of WelcoMe, said: "We are so proud to work with ScottishPower Renewables, helping them develop their Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre into an even more inclusive destination.

"Intersectionality in service is so incredibly important and to us, connecting disability service provision and sustainability proves it is possible to ensure that all are involved in the drive for a more inclusive world."

Suzie Beattie, a wheelchair user who recently booked her visit via the app, said: "Being able to pre-book my visit to Whitelee really took the pressure off and gave me peace of mind that the staff were expecting me and were going to be ready to support in whichever way I needed them to as soon as I arrived.

"The centre itself, the trails and the e-bus are all very accessible, the staff were very welcoming and helpful throughout my visit.

"While I attended with family members on this occasion, knowing I can specify any support I might need via the app means I’d be confident returning again on my own."

Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience to help the visitor centre continuously improve its services.

To book a visit, people can visit the ScottishPower Renewables' Whitelee Windfarm website.