Anniversary Event Marks a Decade of Scotland’s Iconic Sculptures
Celebrations have been taking place to mark the 10th anniversary of The Kelpies sculptures near Falkirk.
Created by sculptor Andy Scott, the two 30-meter-high equine works were unveiled in 2014 and tower over the nearby Forth & Clyde Canal.
They were inspired by Scotland’s working horses, which used to pull barges along canals and work in fields in the area where the sculptures now stand.
The Kelpies were commissioned by Scottish Canals, who, along with Falkirk Council, organised the Kelpies 10 event.
Clydesdale horse demonstrations, performances by various pipe bands, and family activities were among the events at the sculptures on Saturday to mark the anniversary.
The Kelpies are located at The Helix Park, situated between Falkirk and Grangemouth.
The day culminated with the first-ever evening concert at the site, featuring Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, musician, DJ and producer Rebecca Vasmant with her ensemble, and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers bagpipe band, known for their fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems.
Evening celebrations also included a screening of The Kelpies, a short anniversary film by Walid Salhab, and a fire show by Pyroceltica.
Scottish Canals’ Chief Executive John Paterson said: “Scottish Canals had a vision to create a piece of art at the eastern gateway to Scotland’s historic Forth & Clyde Canal. The Kelpies pay homage to the working horses of Scotland and have now become global icons, attracting thousands of visitors to Scotland each year. The Kelpies 10 event has been a fantastic celebration, and we look forward to the next 10 years as we continue to make better lives by the water.”
More than 10,000 visitors gathered at the Kelpies 10 event, according to organisers. Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said, “Since their construction, The Kelpies have brought millions of visitors to witness these iconic structures that feature so prominently on our local landscape. The Kelpies 10 event has been a great way to celebrate their presence and ensure continued interest for decades to come.”
