The Kelpies

The Kelpies are 30 metre high horse-head sculptures at  The Helix, a new parkland project built to connect 16 communities in the Falkirk Council Area. They  were designed by sculptor Andy Scott  and are a monument to horse powered heritage across Scotland.
The Kelpies name reflects the mythological transforming beasts possessing the strength and endurance of 10 horses; a quality that is analogous with the transformational change and endurance of Scotland's inland waterways. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of the Falkirk area.

According to sculptor Andy Scott "The original concept of mythical water horses was a valid starting point for the artistic development of the structures. “I took that concept and moved with it towards a more equine and contemporary response, shifting from any mythological references towards a socio-historical monument intended to celebrate the horse’s role in industry and agriculture as well as the obvious association with the canals as tow horses.

Built of structural steel with a stainless steel cladding, The Kelpies weigh 300 tonnes each. Construction began in June 2013, and was complete by October 2013. However the process of fabricating the steel was several years in the making. SH Structures of Yorkshire, carried out this fabrication and also managed the erection of the sculptures on site.

The Kelpies are positioned either side of a specially constructed lock and basin, part of the redeveloped Kelpies Hub.



Strolled round the Helix Park this afternoon with the HG, C and K, and took loads of pictures of these magnificient sculptures from all angles.  We were lucky that it was dry, as rain threatened.  And we managed to get some coffee and food at the stall and sit outside before the rain did come on.  

The Visitor Centre will not be open until 2015, but it was lovely to see Andy Scott's much feted Kelpies.  Will go back.   Four Story has a shot too which is great!