Falkirk in Scotland is home to The Kelpies, the largest equine sculpture in the world. Unveiled in April 2014, these 30-metre high horse-head sculptures are situated in Helix Park near the M9 Motorway and are a monument to Scotland’s horse-powered industrial heritage.
Why are The Kelpies important?
The sculptures form a gateway at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal, and the new canal extension built as part of The Helix land transformation project. The Kelpies are a monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland.
What is the legend of The Kelpies?
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 powers do kelpies have?
Kelpies have the ability to transform themselves into non-equine forms, and can take on the outward appearance of human figures, in which guise they may betray themselves by the presence of water weeds in their hair.
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.
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.
Do The Kelpies have names?
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.
Why do kelpies lure Travellers?
Q. Why do Kelpies lure travelers? – To eat them.
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.
What is the most famous myth in Scotland?
the Loch Ness Monster
One of Scotland’s most famous unsolved mysteries is that of the Loch Ness Monster (or ‘Nessie’ as it has affectionately come to be known). The large dinosaur-like creature is reputed to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. ‘Nessie’ has a long neck and one or more humps protruding from the water.
What is kelpie weak to?
But there is some good news: a kelpie has a weak spot – its bridle. Anyone who can get hold of a kelpie’s bridle will have command over it and any other kelpie. A captive kelpie is said to have the strength of at least 10 horses and the stamina of many more, and is highly prized.
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.
Do kelpies protect you?
The Australian Kelpie is not aggressive but won’t hesitate to protect family members, animals or property, often without regard for their own safety. Kelpies usually like children, though you should interactions these interactions.
Can you go up 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.
Are kelpies unicorns?
What is the difference between a Unicorn and a Kelpie? As well as the unicorn, the Kelpie is an integral part of Scottish folklore and although it is horse-like much like the unicorn, there are subtle differences. The Kelpie is in fact an evil water-spirit which has anciently haunted Scotland’s lochs and lakes.
What is the main idea of the Australian Kelpie is a very special breed of dog?
The Australian Kelpie was originally bred to have the energy, intelligence, and independence to herd livestock all day in the hot Australian climate without much need for supervision. They retain those qualities to this day.
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.
Do you pay for 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.
How long is the walk at The Kelpies?
Experience this 1.8-km out-and-back trail near Grangemouth, Falkirk. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 21 min to complete. This is a popular trail for walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Why do kelpies have dots above their eyes?
At one end Rotties have dots above their eyes to aid eye communication and at the other end traditionally their tails have been docked, robbing them of a vital communication tool. Dog to dog eye communication is one reason for dogs kicking off with some dogs and not others.
Are kelpies mermaids?
‘ Mermaids are semi-human in form; the kelpie can take on human form whilst the water horses appear as animals alone and may be better described as monsters.