The £5m Kelpies are the centrepiece of the 740-acre Helix Park, which has been built on reclaimed scrubland between Falkirk and Grangemouth and they are already becoming one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks.
Where did the Kelpies come from?
The kelpie, a herding dog derived from the Scottish collie or farm collie, was brought to Australia in the late 1800s from Scotland. Dingoes, which are classed as a native species, were believed to have arrived in the country more than 4,000 years ago.
Who 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.
Where are the Kelpies based?
Falkirk, Scotland
The Kelpies, located in Falkirk, Scotland tower a colossal 30 metres above the Forth and Clyde Canal and form a dramatic gateway to the canal entrance on the East Coast of Scotland. Created by Scotland’s leading sculptor Andy Scott, The Kelpies are a monument to horse powered heritage across Central Scotland.
When were the Kelpies built in Scotland?
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. No Debug Key available as Do Not Track is enabled.
Where was the first kelpie born?
Casterton
Today, Ardlethan is officially recognised as the “Home of the Australian Kelpie”. Ardlethan shares the honour with Victorian town of Casterton, which is recognised as the ‘Birthplace of the Kelpie’. It’s believed that the first Kelpie was born near Casterton and the refinement of the breed occurred near Ardlethan.
Why are they called kelpies?
But what are ‘kelpies’? 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.
What steel are The Kelpies made of?
For its strength and versatility more than 300 tonnes of Tata Steel’s Celsius 355 hot-finished Structural Hollow Section was provided to create the complex frames that form the dramatic internal structure and were crucial factors in bringing The Kelpies ‘to life’.
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.
Why was The Kelpies made?
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.
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.
Can you visit The Kelpies now?
Opening hours for the Kelpies
The Kelpies are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you don’t have any restrictions on when you can visit.
Can you get 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.
Where is the oldest building in Scotland and Britain?
island of Orkney
Skara Brae on the island of Orkney
is one of the oldest buildings in Britain, dating from 3100 BC.
Where is the oldest building in Scotland?
Although the oldest building on the list is the Neolithic farmhouse at Knap of Howar, the earliest period is dominated by chambered cairns, numerous examples of which can be found from the 4th millennium BC through to the early Bronze Age.
What are the names of the two kelpies?
Modeled on two Clydesdale draft horses named Duke and Baron, these massive metal equines carry the same names and stand 30 meters tall, each weighing some 300 metric tons. It’s difficult to project the scale of these critters until you stand next to them even with a photo like this one.
How old is the oldest kelpie?
thirty years old
In the passage below we meet a Victorian kelpie who lived to the ripe old age of ‘at least thirty years old‘. If there’s one thing about dogs and ageing that everyone knows, it’s this: one year of a dog’s life is equivalent to seven human years.
Are kelpies in Harry Potter?
In Harry Potter, kelpies are also water creatures that take a horse-like form, and their hair can be used as wand cores, though kelpie hair is regarded as substandard material for wandmaking.
How old do kelpies live?
between 11 to 16 years
The average Kelpie lifespan is between 11 to 16 years. Like most medium-sized dogs, they are likely to develop complications at middle- age.
How many kelpies are there?
The Kelpies name reflected the mythological transforming beasts possessing the strength and endurance of ten horses; a quality that is analogous with the transformational change and endurance of Scotland’s inland waterways.
What time do The Kelpies light up?
Every night when the sun goes down the Kelpies will be lit up. In Winter, this means you can see the lights on at 4pm. They usually coincide with streetlights in the area turning on. If you think they are impressive in the daytime, you will be in awe at the rainbow colours lighting them up at night.