Plans to turn an East Renfrewshire beauty spot into a ‘firework-free zone’ so dog owners could walk their pooches in peace have been scrapped. 

Animal lovers had been invited to head along to the Whitelee Windfarm, in Eaglesham, between Tuesday, November 3 and Thursday, November 5, as part of the ‘Nae Fireworks Nights’ initiative.

Members of the Whitelee Countryside Rangers service had also planned to lead a guided walk.

However, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing guidance, this year’s events will not be taking place.

Kate Elliott, who is one of the countryside rangers, said: “Whitelee is the perfect place to host the Nae Fireworks Nights, as it is 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 go from strength to strength and 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 we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”

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

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

For more details, visit www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk/visitor-centre or www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/whitelee.