The Kelpies
Scotland
The Kelpies are a pair of monumental steel sculptures located between Falkirk and Grangemouth in Scotland, standing as impressive 30-metre-high horse heads. Designed by sculptor Andy Scott and completed in 2013, these sculptures symbolize the mythical kelpies-transforming water horses-and pay tribute to the heavy horse lineage that played a crucial role in Scotland's industrial and agricultural history. Positioned alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal, The Kelpies serve as striking gateways to The Helix parkland and the canal system. Constructed from structural steel with stainless steel cladding, each sculpture weighs approximately 300 tonnes. The artistic vision evolved from mythological roots toward a socio-historical monument celebrating the horse's strength and endurance in industry, agriculture, and canal transport. Since their unveiling in 2014, The Kelpies have become a major tourist attraction, drawing nearly a million visitors in their first year. Surrounding amenities include a visitor centre offering tours inside the sculptures, a café, a gift shop, and recreational areas such as the Helix Lagoon, adventure zones, and extensive walking and cycling paths. The sculptures are widely regarded for their engineering complexity and dramatic presence, making them iconic landmarks in central Scotland.
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Astuce: For the best experience, visit The Kelpies during daylight hours to fully appreciate their scale and surroundings. Booking a Kelpie Tour in advance is recommended to explore inside the sculptures. Allow extra travel time due to occasional roadworks around The Helix Park. Visitors can enjoy the nearby visitor centre with informative guides, a café, and a gift shop. Families will appreciate the Adventure Zone and Splash Play areas. No specific ticket prices are noted, but check for available discounts and group bookings on the official website.
Faits intéressants
- •Each Kelpie sculpture is 30 metres (98 feet) tall and weighs approximately 300 tonnes.
- •The sculptures are made of structural steel with stainless steel cladding, requiring advanced engineering techniques.
- •Miniature 1:10 scale maquettes of The Kelpies have been exhibited internationally, including at Chicago's Field Museum and Bryant Park in New York.
- •Nearly one million visitors saw The Kelpies in their first year after opening.
- •The Kelpies serve as the eastern gateway to the Forth and Clyde Canal and are positioned beside a specially constructed lock and basin.
Histoire
The Kelpies project began as part of The Helix development in 2005, aiming to reflect the mythological water horses known as kelpies, which symbolize strength and endurance.
Sculptor Andy Scott was commissioned to design the monumental horse-head sculptures, drawing inspiration from both mythology and the historical role of heavy horses in Scotland's industry and agriculture.
Construction started in June 2013 and was completed by October the same year, with a topping out ceremony in November 2013.
The sculptures were officially unveiled in April 2014.
Since then, they have become a celebrated landmark, representing the region's industrial heritage and the canal system's importance.
Guide du lieu
Visitor Centre
The hub of The Helix park, offering excellent views of The Kelpies, informative tour guides, a café, and a gift shop with unique items.
The Kelpies Sculptures2013
Two 30-metre-high steel horse-head sculptures symbolizing the mythical kelpies and Scotland's industrial horse heritage, designed by Andy Scott.
The Helix Lagoon
A peaceful water area near The Kelpies where visitors can relax and observe local wildlife.
Adventure Zone & Splash Play
Family-friendly play areas offering water activities and outdoor fun for children.
Helix Paths
An extensive network of walking, running, and cycling paths around The Helix park, connecting various attractions.
New Sea Lock
A modern sea lock facilitating safer navigation between the River Carron and the Forth & Clyde Canal near The Kelpies.
Contact
Téléphone: 01324 590600
