The Kelpies: Myth behind world’s largest equine sculptures

Located in The Helix park in Falkirk, The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world and Scotland’s most impressive public artworks. Inaugurated on April 21, 2014, they are not only known for their giant size, but also for the dark myth.

“A Kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit and it comes in the form of a beautiful horse” explains Allison, a Kelpie guide. She emphasizes that kelpies are not sea creatures, they can be only found in lochs, rivers and canals. According to the legend, if you are walking alone along a river or canal and you see a beautiful horse, you might be tempted to stroke its glossy coat. However, “The kelpie would dive up into the sky with the sound of thunder and would dive down to the deepest part of the water where you would drown," and then “the kelpie would eat you," Allison recounts.

Two working horses from Glasgow City Council, Duke and Baron, served as the inspiration. | Silvia Barcia

The creator of the sculptures is Andy Scott, a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art. According to The Kelpies Souvenir Guide by Jim Carruth (2024), Scott’s inspiration were Clydesdale horses of 19th and 20th horses, known because of their hard work and role in hauling heavy loads. The author’s models were two working horses from Glasgow City Council that served Pollock Park, Duke and Baron. Additionally, the choice of stainless steel for the heads is for Falkirk’s industrial heritage because the area was historically a hub of Scotland’s iron industry.