Opened in 2014 as part of the Helix project, the Kelpies were funded using a combination of taxpayers’ money and lottery funds and are under the joint ownership of Falkirk council and Scottish Canals, with Scott retaining all intellectual property rights.
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.
When did The Kelpies start getting built?
Construction began in late 2013 and it took just 90 days for 30,000 pieces of this giant puzzle to be painstakingly slotted into place. It was clear from the moment that the first bit of steel was placed in the ground that they would dominate the landscape.
Are The Kelpies free?
The Kelpies are completely FREE to visit.
Where was The Kelpies made?
Sculptor Andy Scott is well known for the iconic Kelpies in Scotland, which are sited at the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk.
Who funded The Falkirk Wheel?
The plan to regenerate central Scotland’s canals and reconnect Glasgow with Edinburgh was led by British Waterways with support and funding from seven local authorities, the Scottish Enterprise Network, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Millennium Commission.
How much does it cost to visit The Kelpies?
You can visit The Kelpies free of charge any time of the day, 365 days of the year due to their prime location in The Helix park. The area around the massive sculptures has been designed to give access for all, meaning everyone can come and see them up close.
Can you walk between The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel?
This short walk connects the stunning tourist attractions of the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies equine structures on the historic Forth & Clyde Canal.
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 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.
Can you just turn up at The Kelpies?
Opening Hours. The Kelpies are always accessible for a visit. The Kelpies Tours – Tickets are sold on the day from The Visitor Centre at The Helix, but the best way to avoid disappointment is to pre-book your tickets online. You can also contact The Visitor Centre on 01324 590600 for more information.
Can you stay overnight at The Kelpies?
In fact, you can even stay in The Kelpies car park overnight for a small fee! Located conveniently just off the M9, you can add The Kelpies park to your route stop with minimal disruption.
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.
What did Gordon Ramsay say about Falkirk?
Ramsay called the town a “s***hole” when a contestant suggested Falkirk might be of the “five cities in Scotland”. He responded saying: “I was born in Scotland. Falkirk is not a city. It’s a s***hole, I swear to God.”
How much did it cost to build The Falkirk Wheel?
The Falkirk Wheel cost £17.5 million, and the restoration project as a whole cost £84.5 million (of which £32 million came from National Lottery funds).
What metal are The Kelpies made of?
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.
How much does it cost to take a boat on the Falkirk Wheel?
Prices: Adult £13.50. Concession £12.00 (anyone over 60, holding an Access Card, full time Student or Falkirk Council Tax Payer.
Why did the Scots lose the Battle of Falkirk?
However, the English army was too strong for the Scots. The English cavalry drove the Scottish cavalry from the battlefield and was then able to defeat the Scottish archers. Without the protection of either cavalry or archers, the Scottish schiltrons were vulnerable.
What was the problem that the Falkirk Wheel solved?
The Falkirk Wheel is truly a feat of engineering. The Wheel solved the problem of the connection between two bodies of water, separated 25 meters vertically.
Do the Falkirk kelpies move?
No they don’t move but you can do a guided tour and go inside them.
Can you stay overnight at the Falkirk Wheel?
Some overnight parking is available for a fee of £15 per night, with a £20 key deposit. Stays are limited to three nights per visit. The designated overnight area is not euqipped for power or lighting but 24 hours access is allowed to facilities in the New Port Downey Building.