Built of structural steel with a stainless steel cladding, The Kelpies are 30 metres high and weigh 300 tonnes each. Construction began in June 2013 and was complete by October 2013.
How long have The Kelpies been in Falkirk?
The Kelpies were officially opened by HRH Princess Anne on the 8th July 2015. Now one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, more than two million people have stood in the shadows of The Kelpies since their construction.
Why did they build The Kelpies?
It was felt that the entrance to the canal needed a dramatic feature to welcome visitors and the idea of the Kelpies was born. Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott the Kelpies are inspired by the working heavy horses such as Clydesdales who played a key role in Scotland’s industrial heritage.
Who designed and built The Kelpies?
Sculptor Andy Scott is well known for the iconic Kelpies in Scotland, which are sited at the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk.
What are the Kelpie statues made of?
structural steel
Towering above the Forth & Clyde Canal, The Kelpies are a feat of engineering, each made with 300 tonnes of structural steel, and are a monumental tribute to the horse power heritage that was vital to the early industries of central Scotland.
Are The Kelpies lit up every night?
A common question is, do the Kelpies light up at night? The good news, is they do every night! As soon as the sun goes down in the evening, the Kelpies light up in all different colours of the rainbow.
What is the oldest building in Falkirk?
PARISH CHURCH, FALKIRK
Possibly the most historic building in Falkirk, the church stands on the site of what is probably the first Christian edifice in the town. Falkirk takes its name from the first stone-built church, erected in the Middle Ages when it was known as the ‘Faw’ or Speckled Kirk.
What does kelpie mean in Scottish?
In Scottish folklore, a kelpie is a dangerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse. The kelpie appears to their human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back, then carries them down to a watery grave.
Are kelpies Irish or Scottish?
A kelpie is a shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend. Its name may derive from the Scottish Gaelic words ‘cailpeach’ or ‘colpach’, meaning heifer or colt. Kelpies are said to haunt rivers and streams, usually in the shape of a horse.
Why are The Kelpies so called?
The Kelpies are named after the mythical water horses said to be in Scottish lochs and rivers. However, Scott says the inspiration for his sculptures comes from the heavy horses that once powered Scotland’s canals.
How much did kelpies cost?
Andy Scott, who designed the £7 million public artwork, holds the copyright to the two 30m steel horse’s heads, thought to be the largest of their kind in the world.
Was Irn Bru invented in Falkirk?
Initially named Irn Brew, Scotland’s other national drink was jointly launched in 1899 by AG Barr & Co (Glasgow) and Robert Barr (Falkirk). The drink was produced in Falkirk, with a colourful image daubed on the gable wall of the Cockburn Street building, which is now covered up by a billboard.
Can you go inside The Kelpies?
The only way to get inside a Kelpie is on a Kelpies Tour!
The pinnacle of the tour is that you get to experience a Kelpie from the inside, and see for yourself the breathtaking engineering and design of The Kelpies.
What 2 dogs make a kelpie?
The kelpie was brought to Australia in the late 1800s from Scotland. They are a herding dog derived from the Scottish smooth collie or farm collie.
What are the two kelpies called?
Duke and Baron
Duke and Baron – Scotland’s Kelpies.
Do all kelpies ears stand up?
EARS. Ideally both ears should be erect, but can be heavier with tips or more, of one or both, down. Large heavy ears, lying flat against the head are not typical of kelpies.
Can you walk between The Kelpies to Falkirk Wheel?
Experience this 14.3-km out-and-back trail near Falkirk, Falkirk. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 8 min to complete. This is a popular trail for running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Do the Falkirk kelpies move?
No they don’t move but you can do a guided tour and go inside them.
What is inside The Kelpies in Scotland?
The Kelpies are located in the heart of Helix Park – 350 hectares of recreational green land complete with Visitor Centre which includes a cafe,gift shop and exhbition space, adventure play park, splash play fountains, lagoon and miles of cycle paths.
What is the oldest village in Scotland?
- Skara Brae /ˈskærə ˈbreɪ/ is a stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland.
- The site was occupied from roughly 3180 BC to about 2500 BC and is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village.
What is the oldest city in Scotland?
Dundee
Dundee is unique in that an exact date of the ascension to city status is documented — January 26 1889 — making it the earliest official city in the country. A charter signed by Queen Victoria confirmed the transition.