Standing tall beside Scotland’s M9 motorway, two massive steel horse heads rise 30 metres into the sky. They’re honestly one of the most striking landmarks you’ll ever come across in the country.

The Kelpies are the world’s largest equine sculptures, designed by artist Andy Scott and completed in 2013 to celebrate Scotland’s industrial heritage and those mythological water horses you might’ve heard about.

These sculptures aren’t just impressive from a distance. You can actually venture inside them on guided tours and see the intricate steelwork up close.

The Kelpies have turned Falkirk into a must-visit spot, pulling in nearly a million visitors during their first year.

Maybe you’re drawn by Scottish folklore, or you’re into wild feats of engineering. Or maybe you just want a unique day out—The Kelpies have you covered.

From wandering the parkland to diving into the stories behind these steel giants, it’s easy to see why they’ve captured imaginations worldwide.

What Are The Kelpies?

The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world. They stand 100 feet tall in Falkirk, Scotland.

Scottish mythology inspired these massive steel horse heads, and they represent the area’s industrial roots.

Overview of The Kelpies

You’ll find The Kelpies at The Helix Park, right between Falkirk and Grangemouth. These sculptures are 100ft tall and weigh more than 300 tonnes each.

Built from steel, they’ve become iconic since their completion. You can visit them for free, any day, any time.

Key Features:

• Height: 100 feet (30 metres) tall
• Weight: Over 300 tonnes each
• Material: Steel construction
• Location: Between Falkirk and Grangemouth

The area around the sculptures is super accessible for visitors. You can walk right up to them, and if you want, join a guided tour to go inside one of The Kelpies.

Significance as Landmarks

The Kelpies have changed the Falkirk landscape and now stand as symbols of Scottish heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to see these engineering marvels.

They represent more than just art. The Kelpies pay tribute to the heavy horses of Scotland’s industry and economy—the ones that pulled wagons, ploughs, barges, and coalships, shaping Falkirk’s landscape.

The name itself links to mythological transforming beasts with the strength and endurance of 100 horses. That kind of power fits the area’s history of transformation and the resilience of its people.

The Helix connects to Falkirk’s award-winning path network, with 500 km of trails for exploring.

Creation and Inspiration

Artist Andy Scott created The Kelpies, turning them into iconic features of the landscape. He modelled the sculptures on real-life Clydesdale horses, Duke and Baron.

These horses were symbols of Scotland’s industrial past. Choosing Clydesdales tied the sculptures directly to the heavy horses that powered the nation’s industry.

Mythology played a big part too. Kelpies in Scottish folklore are shape-shifting water spirits that live in lochs. They’re said to have incredible strength and endurance.

So, the sculptures celebrate both Scotland’s industrial story and its rich mythology. They stand for the working horses that built the economy and honor the legendary water horses of Scottish tales.

History and Construction

The Kelpies came to life through sculptor Andy Scott’s vision and some truly impressive engineering, starting in 2005. Building these massive horse heads meant using innovative methods, and the whole thing took over two years.

The Vision of Andy Scott

Sculptor Andy Scott started on The Kelpies after Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals approached him in 2006. He’d already made a name for himself with his horse sculptures.

Scott’s early sketches showed two 30-metre horse heads next to the canal, honoring Scotland’s industrial past when Clydesdale horses pulled barges along the waterways.

Duke and Baron, two real Clydesdale horses, served as models for the sculptures. These working horses influenced Scott’s detailed designs.

He created tenth-scale models, or maquettes, to help everyone grasp his vision. These small versions were key for securing Big Lottery funding.

Scott made a second set of maquettes, which later became the foundation for the full-size sculptures.

Building the Sculptures

Construction properly kicked off in June 2013 with a five-month installation program. S H Structures landed the contract as principal contractor on a design and build basis.

The team started with the ‘head down’ Kelpie first. After a few weeks, a second team began work on the ‘head up’ sculpture.

Workers assembled as much as possible at the Yorkshire facility before shipping parts to Scotland. They trial-erected all sections first to make sure everything fit perfectly.

The sculptures’ skin uses stainless steel panels, cold-formed onto thousands of individual brackets right on site.

Engineering Feats

The engineers designed a structural tubular frame that follows the internal surface of each head. This approach saved over £750,000.

Each Kelpie has two braced triangular trusses, connected by smaller frames. Secondary frames hold brackets for thousands of fixing points.

Key Engineering Details:

• Height: 30 metres each
• Material: Structural steel frame with stainless steel skin
• Software: Tekla 3D modelling system
• Installation time: 5 months

The team used 3D modelling so everyone—sculptor, clients, lighting designers—could share files and collaborate smoothly.

Symbolism and Scottish Folklore

Kelpies are powerful symbols in Scottish folklore, representing both the beauty and danger of the country’s waterways. These mythical creatures have deep ties to horses and lochs, shaping Scottish culture for centuries.

Legend of Scottish Kelpies

Kelpies are shapeshifting water-spirits in Celtic mythology, especially in Scotland. They live in lochs and rivers scattered across the landscape.

These creatures often appear as beautiful horses or ponies to lure travelers and children. If someone tries to ride them, they’re stuck to the kelpie’s back, and the creature drags them underwater.

Kelpies can also change into human form by shedding their bridle. In this shape, they show up as charming, handsome men who tempt people closer to the water.

Warning Stories for Children

Many kelpie tales acted as warnings about dangerous water. Parents told these stories to keep kids away from deep lochs and fast rivers.

One story tells of children disappearing from a village. A child finds a pony by the loch and strokes its nose, becoming stuck, but escapes by cutting off their own finger as the kelpie rushes toward the water.

The Role of Horses in Scotland

Horses were vital in Scottish culture and daily life. They provided transport, farm work, and even military power across the Highlands and Lowlands.

Kelpies supposedly had the strength and stamina of ten horses. Their magical bridles were highly prized by Scottish lords and clan chiefs.

Capturing Kelpie Power

If you stole a kelpie’s bridle, you could control it, much like in selkie legends. Some stories tell of people forcing captured kelpies to work in fields or drive millstones.

The MacGregor clan is rumored to own an ancestral kelpie bridle from Loch Slochd, though nobody in the family has ever confirmed it.

If you struck a kelpie in human form, it would instantly change back into a horse and flee.

Connection to Waterways

Scotland’s endless lochs and rivers lie at the heart of kelpie mythology. These water spirits haunted the lochs and rivers of Scotland.

Sacred and Dangerous Waters

Celtic cultures saw water as a gateway to the Otherworld. Kelpies guarded these spiritual thresholds between the mortal world and mystical realms.

These creatures explained why lochs and rivers could be so deadly. Fast currents, hidden depths, and wild weather claimed many lives.

Loch Connections

Each loch had its own kelpie stories and quirks. Local communities spun specific tales about their nearby waters.

These stories helped people respect the power of water. They taught water safety through memorable folklore, not just plain old rules.

The Helix Park and Visitor Experience

The Helix Park covers 350 hectares and offers walking trails, cycling paths, and water sports. Of course, it’s home to the The Kelpies sculptures.

The 5-star visitor centre features exhibitions, dining, and shopping to round out your visit. There’s honestly something for just about everyone.

The Helix Park Features

The Helix is a 350-hectare eco-park that mixes art, nature, and a whole lot of ways to get outside. Well-maintained walking and cycling trails snake through the parkland, inviting you to wander at your own pace.

If you’re after a little adventure, the park has water sports on offer. Families often hang out at the children’s play area—kids always seem to find something to climb or slide on.

Scenic picnic spots pop up all over the grounds. They’re great for kicking back and soaking in the landscape (and maybe sneaking a snack or two).

The green space was created for communities in the Falkirk area to gather and enjoy. School holidays turn the park into a lively hub, especially with families making the most of the outdoors.

Visitor Centre Facilities

The Helix Visitor Centre opens daily from 9am to 5pm. The shop and toilets stay open until 8pm, which is handy if you’re running late. Inside, you can check out the exhibition area that reveals how The Kelpies came to life.

The centre has accessible facilities and toilets for everyone. Friendly tour guides can help you book a Kelpies tour right at the desk.

Key Facilities:

• Exhibition displays about The Kelpies
• Accessible toilets
• Tour booking services
• Information desk

Guided tours offer a deeper dive into the park’s story and what The Kelpies actually mean. You even get to venture inside the sculptures for a peek most people don’t see.

Gift Shop and Café

The visitor centre’s gift shop is a fun spot if you’re after something unique. You can pick up souvenirs or quirky mementos from your Kelpies trip.

The café serves up a solid mix of treats—sweet, savoury, whatever mood hits. It’s a good place to pause and recharge after wandering the park.

The café gets especially busy during school holidays, with families piling in for a bite. You’ll find hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals available all day long.

The shop leans into Kelpies and Scottish heritage items. They’re ideal if you want to bring something home for friends, or just treat yourself.

Planning Your Visit

The Kelpies sit in Falkirk, easy to reach from Edinburgh or Glasgow as a quick day trip. There’s free parking, guided tours, and other sights nearby—like the famous Falkirk Wheel.

Getting to The Kelpies

The sculptures are just off the motorway, so they’re a natural stopover on your Scottish road trip. From Edinburgh, it’s about a 45-minute drive on the M9.

Coming from Glasgow? It’s also around 45 minutes by car. Pop FK2 7ZT into your sat nav and you’ll land at The Helix park.

Public Transport Options:

• Train to Falkirk High station, then a 15-minute walk
• Regular buses from both Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Local buses stop at the park entrance

You can easily fit a visit in without committing your whole day.

Accessibility and Parking

The Helix offers free parking with over 300 spaces. The car park stays open 24/7, but weekends and school holidays can fill it up fast.

Parking Details:

• Cost:Free
• Capacity:300+ spaces
• Hours:24/7 access
• Accessibility:Disabled parking available

Paths around The Kelpies are smooth and paved, so wheelchairs and mobility scooters can get everywhere. All viewing areas connect via accessible walkways.

Accessible toilets are inside the visitor centre. The park’s flat terrain makes it manageable for just about anyone.

Tour Options and Entry

You can see The Kelpies from outside for free, any time of year. Walk around, snap photos, and explore the park without spending a penny.

Interior Tours:

• Adult tickets:£7.50
• Child tickets:£5.50 (ages 5-15)
• Family tickets:£22.00 (2 adults + 2 children)

Book interior tours in advance—they run several times daily and last about 30 minutes. You get to step inside one of the horse heads, which is honestly pretty cool.

April through October is the sweet spot for visiting, thanks to longer days and better weather. If you swing by in the evening, you’ll catch the sculptures lit up in all sorts of colours.

Nearby Attractions

The Falkirk Wheel is only 10 minutes away by car and makes a great pairing with The Kelpies. This rotating boat lift is one more reason to stick around Falkirk a little longer.

Other Local Attractions:

• The Antonine Wall:UNESCO World Heritage Roman site
• Callendar House:Historic mansion with gardens
• Falkirk Football Club:For those who love a match day atmosphere

The Helix itself has walking trails, a splash park in warmer months, and an adventure playground for kids. Most folks spend two to three hours checking out the whole area.

You can plan your trip with official guides from Visit Falkirk. They’re pretty handy for making the most of your time here.

Local Attractions and Surrounding Area

The Kelpies sit close to Scotland’s standout engineering feats and historic canals. You’ve got the rotating boat lift and scenic walking trails that trace back through centuries of Scottish history.

The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel is probably Scotland’s most jaw-dropping modern engineering marvel. This rotating boat lift links the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Watch boats rise 35 metres in under 15 minutes—it’s oddly mesmerizing. The wheel operates daily, and you can hop on a boat trip to experience the full rotation for yourself.

Key Features:

• Height: 35 metres tall
• Rotation time: 15 minutes per cycle
• Capacity: Carries 8 boats at once
• Visitor centre: Café and exhibition space

Boat trips cost about £12 for adults. You’ll learn about how they built it and the canal’s history as you ride.

Trips run several times a day during busy months. The Falkirk Wheel is just 1.5 kilometres from The Kelpies, so it’s easy to combine both in one outing.

Heart of Falkirk Trail

The Heart of Falkirk Trail ties together several attractions along a 7-kilometre route. You’ll pass historic sites, sculptures, and stretches of peaceful countryside.

The trail links The Kelpies directly to the Falkirk Wheel, following the canal towpath for most of the walk. It’s flat and easy, so families and casual walkers do just fine.

Trail Highlights:

• Roman Antonine Wall sections
• Historic locks and bridges
• Wildlife viewing spots
• Public art installations

You can stroll the whole trail in two to three hours, depending on your pace. Info boards along the way share stories about local history and wildlife—worth stopping to read now and then.

The route meanders through Callendar Park, home to a 14th-century house and sprawling woodlands. Plenty of parks and trails crisscross the area, so you can always mix things up if you want.

Exploring Falkirk and Grangemouth

Falkirk town centre has shopping, dining, and historic sites, all within 10 minutes of the Kelpies. The high street lines up independent shops with bigger retailers, so you get a bit of everything.

There are some excellent restaurants where you can try local Scottish dishes. Pubs here serve up traditional meals and a decent selection of local ales from nearby breweries.

Falkirk Highlights:

• Falkirk Trinity Church: Historic architecture
• Shopping centres: Modern retail facilities
• Local museums: Industrial heritage displays
• Traditional pubs: Local food and drink

Grangemouth sits about 15 minutes east of the Kelpies. This port town opens up to the Firth of Forth and has some nice coastal walks.

It’s home to Britain’s largest container port. You can even watch ships coming and going from special viewing spots along the waterfront.

Both towns have plenty of budget-friendly places to stay. Exploring the nearby town of Falkirk gives you a taste of real Scottish life, far from the big tourist crowds.

If you would like to book a tour to see the Kelpies, click here for Edinburgh Tours & here for our Glasgow Tours