Scotland’s Kelpies

Dear Diary,

Scotland has many mythical figures. We’ve even got the unicorn as our national animal. You can find various unicorn sculptures spread across the city centre.

Scotland is also home to the Kelpies, a very popular tourist attraction showing the largest equine sculptures in the world.

These two 30 metres high horse heads weigh more than 300 tonnes each and were finished in 2014 by artist Andy Scott.

They’re iconic in the landscape and pay homage to the working horses of Scotland who pulled barges along the canals and did their work on the fields.

But what are Kelpies? 

They’re mystical black water horses who can shape-shift, and they are said to possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses.

The Kelpies’ main intent is to haunt Scottish rivers and streams. 

They’re truly evil and might appear as a tame pony beside the river, usually attracting children. Once on its back, the child is unable to dismount and will be dragged into the water and drown.

Kelpies might also appear in a male human form to lure in young women.

And that’s not all, they can also use their magical power to summon up a flood and sweep up travellers into the deep waters.

I’d say you'd rather want to avoid them when possible.

But, good news, they also have a weak spot - their bridle. Anyone who can get hold of it will have the command of the Kelpies.

Our famous poet, Robert Burns, also mentions them in his poem “Address to the Devil”

"When thowes dissolve the snawy hoord
An' float the jinglin icy boord
Then, water-kelpies haunt the foord
By your direction
An' nighted trav'llers are allur'd
To their destruction."

How to visit the Kelpies

The Kelpies are located in the Helix Park near Falkirk, just off the M9.

The eco-park has a lot to offer, from walking and cycling paths along the canal to water sports and children's play areas. 

You can also take a tour inside the Kelpies and learn more about the stunning architecture.

It’s definitely worth a visit!

Tip - the Kelpies glow in the dark with changing colours, so you might want to visit them after sunset.