For our 3rd anniversary in 2022, we took a trip to Stirling, Scotland. On our drive North we took a pit stop at somewhere I've wanted to visit for years but hadn't until this point - The Kelpies in Falkirk. These photos are from that visit. Yes, it was over a year ago...life eh haha!
The Kelpies are 300-tonne, 100-foot-high steel equine sculptures (the largest in the world) created by artist Andy Scott. They are modelled on Duke and Baron, real-life Clydesdale horses, who were recommended as models by Glasgow city council during the design process.
Baron, who is immortalized as the Kelpie with its head toward the sky, came from a horse sanctuary that closed in 2000 and was then rehomed by Glasgow City Council, pulling a dray at Pollok Country Park. Baron met Duke, the Kelpie with his head down, here and became buddies.
The Kelpies sculpture represents the importance of the heavy horse industry where working horses pulled wagons, ploughs, barges and coal ships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.
However, their name comes from the mythological creatures inhabiting lochs in Irish and Scottish folklore. Though beautiful and magical, Kelpies have a dark history and are known to be malevolent spirits who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses, using their shape-shifting abilities to lure people to their deaths. There are many super interesting legends, stories and more to
The Kelpies can be visited for free, 365 days a year 24 hours a day and have a lovely little visitor centre, that is open 09.30 - 17.00 Monday - Sunday, on the grounds. This houses a cafe and gift shop and has more information on the sculptures.
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