The Kelpies

The Kelpies

10 April 2013. The concrete foundation for the 'head up' Kelpie takes shape. The foundation for its 'head down' companion (directly behind) was poured in late March.
10 April 2013. Work on the concrete foundation for the 'head up' Kelpie goes smoothly. The foundation for its 'head down' companion was poured in late March.
12 February 2013. A Kelpie section arrives at the Falkirk Stadium. A further 100 loads bearing the remaining Kelpie sections will arrive in Falkirk over the next few months as we countdown to the start on site assembly this summer. CLICK IMAGE TO EXPAND
12 February 2013. David Perry from SH Structures examines one of the first Kelpie sections to arrive in Falkirk.
12 February 2013. A section for the Head Down Kelpie makes its way through Falkirk.
12 February 2013. In a few month's time this piece of steel will form part of a majestic, 30-metre-tall steel-plated Kelpie.
January 2013: a section of the Head Down Kelpie. The head is lying on its side, minus ears. Creator Andy Scott is standing at the top curve of the neck. Click image to expand.
Watch the construction of the full-size Kelpies, currently under way in Yorkshire. Assembly of the Kelpies on our Helix site will commence from February 2013
An alternative view of the Head Down Kelpie Ear
Image shows both sets of Head Down Kelpie ears ready for final painting and delivery to site.
This section will be issued for painting and will be finshed with a polished steel plates.
The scale of the Kelpies is clear - this is just one ear!
One of the Kelpie maquettes being driven through downtown Chicago, on the way to the Chicago Sculpture International
Andy Scott with one of the completed Kelpie maquettes in his workshop.
Kelpies by Day [Image by Graeme Gilmour]
Kelpies by Night. Showing how they will be potentially lit at night. [Image by Graeme Gilmour]
Revealing the internal structure on the Head Down Kelpie. The public will be able to access the internals of the Kelpies and see for themselves the Engineering Ingenuity of the Structure.
The Kelpies on display at one of Edinburgh Airport's main roundabouts
The Kelpies on display at the Falkirk Wheel.
On display at lock 2 of the Forth & Clyde Canal

The Kelpies are coming! Introducing a major new public artwork by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. The Kelpies will tower a colossal 30 metres above the Forth & Clyde canal and will form a dramatic gateway at the eastern entrance.

Just imagine

In 2013 the Kelpies will take up their new location at the Helix, Falkirk. Follow their progress as this gargantuan art work gradually takes shape.

The concept

Each Kelpie will stand up to 30 metres tall and weigh over 300 tonnes.

The two massive horses' heads will be positioned either side of a specially constructed lock and basin, part of the redeveloped Canal Hub. You'll be able to see them from early 2013.

The sculptor's 1:10 scale models, known as maquettes, have been dispayed locally and across Scotland at events and locations as diverse as Edinburgh International Airport, The Falkirk Wheel, Expo 2011 (Aberdeen) and Expo 2012 (Edinburgh).

In the run-up to fabrication of the full scale Kelpies, plans are under way to exhibit the maquettes internationally.

We are proud to announce that they will be the only European sculptures selected for exhibition at the prestigious Chicago Sculpture International in the USA commencing August 2012.

While you're awaiting the arrival of the real thing, find images of the Kelpies here.

Andy Scott

Sculptor Andy Scott created the famous Heavy Horse sculpture on the M8 in Glasgow, and has created public art at home and internationally.

Taking shape

Follow the news as these gargantuan horse sculptures gradually take shape.

Watch the Kelpies

Caledonia TV has been following Andy Scott's every move as the Kelpies progress towards construction. The final results will be televised once the Kelpies have been completed. Early footage can be seen on Caledonia TV's website.

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