Clydesdale Horses Gather to celebrate Kelpies Sculptures Effect a decade on

A mass gathering of heavy horses assembled at the home of Scotland’s iconic Kelpies structures today (Tuesday, March 26) in celebration of the forthcoming 10th anniversary.

Article Source: Helix Park
Last Updated: 26 March 2024 13:36

A mass gathering of heavy horses assembled at the home of Scotland’s iconic Kelpies structures today (Tuesday, March 26) in celebration of the forthcoming 10th anniversary of the magnificent artworks.

The Kelpies creator, internationally renowned artist and sculptor Andy Scott, joined in the celebration held at The Helix Park, Falkirk, to pay tribute to the Clydesdale Horse, the breed that inspired him to create the colossal Kelpies.

The Clydesdale Horse played a crucial role in Scottish industry and economy- pulling wagons, barges, ploughs and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Scotland.

Andy, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, but now lives and works in Los Angeles, California, has flown back to his homeland for the occasion to celebrate a decade of the `Kelpies’ effect’.

Since their launch, Helix Park has welcomed over seven million visitors from all over the world; The Kelpies play a huge role in contributing to a £85 million tourism spend in the Falkirk region annually.

Andy, who now has large public art sculptures all over Scotland and around the world in places such as London, Sydney, America and Mexico, was commissioned by Scottish Canals to create this huge piece of awe-inspiring artwork.

They are constructed from some 30,000 pieces of structural steel, with a stainless-steel cladding. The steel fabricators, SH Structures, created the individual pieces of the enormous horses from Andy’s three-metre-high models that had been laser scanned.

In addition to the main sculpture, there are two sets of 1:10 scale maquettes that have been exhibited both in Scotland and abroad. The entire project took over ten years to realise and will now celebrate their 10th birthday on April
27th.

Andy said: “The Clydesdale breed as an equine emblem of Scotland and I am so proud to be standing here today to pay tribute to these magnificent creatures that inspired me to make The Kelpies. It has been amazing to see the impact The Kelpies has had across the globe and I’m excited to see what will happen in the next 10 years.”

Scottish Canals' Chief Executive John Paterson said: “The Kelpies pay homage to the working horses and people of Scotland who used to pull cargo and passenger barges along Scotland’s canals.

"These remarkable animals and the canal staff of the day played a significant role in the rapid development of Scotland’s industries and its global influence, such as here in Falkirk with the proliferation of iron foundries that traded goods around the world, and the communities along the 141 miles of Scotland’s five canals and take their deserved place in our nations celebrated heritage. It is now over 200 years since Scotland’s canals were constructed and a decade on since The Kelpies were created, and these magnificent internationally significant works of art and indeed the nearby Falkirk Wheel have taken their rightful place as internationally renowned icons of Scotland, attracting
hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors to Falkirk and the rest of Scotland each year, adding significantly to the local and Scottish economy."

"We are delighted to be able to celebrate their 10th birthday in style and look forward to welcoming local and international visitors alike, to share with us this special anniversary and the memory of those who gave us the fabulous heritage legacy of Scotland’s canals, which continue to bring so many benefits across Scotland’s communities to this day”

Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: “Andy’s work has inspired visitors from all over the world and many marvel at how intricate and stunning these sculptures are. They are a great tribute to our industrial heritage and a fitting icon of our area.”

Lynsey Eckford, VisitScotland’s Regional Director for Forth Valley, said: “Since the opening of The Kelpies a decade ago, they have ignited the imaginations of visitors and are firmly established as one of Scotland’s must-visit iconic landmarks. Every year, these magnificent equine sculptures draw hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors, and their enduring popularity is evident through their inclusion in our international and UK marketing campaigns.

“The Helix Park, The Home of The Kelpies, is cherished by locals, and highlights the wide-ranging benefits of investing in the tourism experience and the positive impacts those developments can have on the surrounding community".

“Collaborating closely with VisitFalkirk and Scottish Canals, we’re encouraging visitors to follow the trails linking Callendar Park, The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and Rosebank Distillery, when it opens in the summer, giving visitors the opportunity to extend their stay and immerse themselves in all the region has to offer.”

A special one-of-a-kind concert is planned for the anniversary to be held on Saturday, April 27th at the Helix Park, Falkirk, Scotland, for more information visit Helix Park Falkirk: https://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Image: Clydesdale Horses at The Kelpies with Sculpture Andy Scott.
Image credit: Martin Shields Photography

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Residents and businesses across Stirling urged to get ready for winter

Residents and businesses across Stirling are being urged to get ready for the impacts of wintry weather as the council steps up its preparations to keep people safe in adverse conditions.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition

Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Clydesdale Horses Gather to celebrate Kelpies Sculptures Effect a decade on

A mass gathering of heavy horses assembled at the home of Scotland’s iconic Kelpies structures today (Tuesday, March 26) in celebration of the forthcoming 10th anniversary.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings