35 metre high ‘Kelpie’ heads, based on the mythical Scots creatures of the same name, are the brainchild of British Waterways and internationally acclaimed sculptor Andy Scott. 

The giant heads, each equal in size to the world-renowned Falkirk Wheel, will be more than just impressive works of art.  The functional sculptures, complete with flowing manes, will form an integral part of an ingenious boat lift mechanism at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal, with the two heads slowly rocking back and forth to displace water from a lock chamber thereby allowing boats to move to and from Scotland’s lowland canal network.

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Andy is currently creating two one-tenth scale steel maquettes (models), which will be used to help generate support for the HELIX project.  The creation of the 3.5 metre high models involves welding thousands of small steel plates over a pre prepared steel skeleton.  The skeleton itself will eventually be removed to leave a steel mosaic of the Kelpie heads.

Andy, whose father hailed from Falkirk, has a long association with equine sculpture having created the landmark ‘Heavy Horse’ which sits proudly at the side of the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and various other world renowned equine pieces in Australia and Spain.  

The Kelpie theme was chosen not only for the role of the mythical water horse in waterway folklore but also to pay respect to the role of the heavy horse throughout Scottish history.  The theme is made even more poignant by the fact that Falkirk was home to the UK’s largest ever Clydesdale horse.

Commenting on his latest project Andy said; “The HELIX will create a fantastic community resource in the Falkirk area with the Kelpies forming a focal point within the project.

“The horse occupies a very important place in the industrial history of Scotland, including the development of the country’s canal network, and is therefore an ideal subject for this piece of work.  It will be a huge undertaking to create the world’s largest equine sculptures, however, the process I am following to create the scaled down maquettes will give both me and the engineering team a greater understanding of the issues and challenges ahead.“   

Andy is currently working night and day in his studio in Maryhill in Glasgow to ensure that the impressive steel maquettes are ready for public display at the end of May.

If the HELIX project gets the green light then work to start creating the massive Kelpie heads could begin at the end of the year.

Richard Millar, Business Development Manager at British Waterways said: “I can’t think of anyone better suited to create this incredible working sculpture.  Andy’s work is world renowned and his passion and enthusiasm shines through every aspect of the project.

“The Kelpie heads and the extension of the Forth & Clyde Canal will form an integral part of The HELIX bid.  If the bid is successful we will be in a position to create not only a fantastic community resource but also a world class piece of public art which, like The Falkirk wheel before it, could become an icon for Scotland and a major tourist attraction in its own right.”

Although the Kelpie legend does talk of the mythical creatures luring seafarers into the water, British Waterways is quick to point out that anyone travelling through the boat lift will be given a small bridle which according to legend would tame the creature and allow safe passage.

Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of CSFT adds, “The Trust is tremendously excited by Andy Scott’s artistic vision and fervent creativity.  Andy’s Kelpies will be fantastic, inspiring, iconic structures creating an unforgettable landmark which will not only be a great source of pride to local residents but also act as a tourist attraction drawing visitors and financial benefits to the area.”

This article appears on the Central Scotland Forest Trust website