Last Updated on July 26, 2019
The Kelpies, Scotland
The Kelpies rise 30 meters from alongside the extension of the Forth and Clyde Canal, visible from the M9 motorway, the two sculptures of mythological water horses are another of Scotland’s gems.
‘The Kelpies name was chosen to reflect the mythological transforming beasts possessing the strength and endurance of 100 horses; a quality that is analogous with the transformational change of our landscapes, endurance of our inland waterways and the strength of our communities.’
Andy Scott’s vision for The Kelpies follows the lineage of the heavy horse of industry and economy, pulling the wagons and ploughs, barges and coal ships that shaped the structural layout of the area. Retaining The Kelpies as the title for these equine monuments, Andy sought to represent the transformational and sustainably enduring qualities The Helix stands for through the majesty of The Kelpies’.
In late 2013, the sculptures ‘rose from the ground’ in just 90 days. An inspiring engineering feat. The construction of the two massive structures was filmed in a time-lapse video, what it below. What an incredible sight it must have been for commuters on the M9 Motorway, passing by the site on a daily basis during the installation.
Completed late November 2013, a ‘topping-out’ a celebration ceremony was held featuring Duke and Baron, the Clydesdale life models for The Kelpies.
Quick facts
- 300 tons each
- 30 meters high
- 1200 tons of steel-reinforced concrete foundations per head
- 990 unique stainless steel skin plates
- Built on-site in 90 days
Another great Scottish invention is the Falkirk Wheel that lifts canal boats out of the water onto the next level of the canal.
Our visit to the Kelpies was during a vacation in the UK and Europe where we caravanned in winter and free camped in Scotland in some simply amazing locations.
Visit ‘The Kelpies‘ website. Add it to your Scottish Bucket List!
