Fast becoming an international Scottish icon, with appearances in New York,Chicago and at the prestigious Ryder Cup. The Kelpie Maquettes have been helping to shine a light on Scotland in general and their home town of Falkirk in particular. The Kelpie Maquettes are a miniature version of the world famous Kelpies which are the 100 foot high centrepiece of the new 350 hectare Helix Park in Falkirk and forms a dramatic gateway to the new section of the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Hand crafted by renowned Scottish Sculptor Andy Scott, the Maquettes were the one tenth size models for the award winning 30 metre high horses heads known as the Kelpies and were in fact created first.
They will be on loan to Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail from the 25th July until the 29th August.
This coup for Kirkcudbright and the rest of the region is the latest in a year packed full of achievements and recognition for the Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts trail organisers.
Last May they received an Epic award for Scotland by Baroness Beeban Kidron and six months later they were thrilled to receive a Scottish Thistle Award for the trail which was presented to them in Glasgow on 4th of November.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow organising team Pauline Saul commented “We are thrilled to have been given this amazing opportunity to exhibit the iconic Kelpie Maquettes in our Artists’ town of Kirkcudbright. Here not only for our award winning Art and Crafts trail, but for four weeks this summer the maquettes will give visitors and locals alike, a rare chance to see the beauty of the wonderful metal sculptures created by Andy Scott.
The Kelpie Maquettes will be placed at the area known as Fisherman’s Green which is adjacent to Kirkcudbright harbour. Their positioning has created interest amongst photographers who are looking forward to capturing the Kelpie Maquettes against the backdrop of the traditional Kirkcudbright fishing fleet.
Nearby car parking and a tourist information centre will also help ensure that the Maquettes will be seen by thousands of people in their month long furlong in Kirkcudbright artists town. Visitors will also be able to find out more about the Kelpies which are the world’s largest equine structure
Falkirk Council’s tourism spokesperson, Councillor Adrian Mahoney said: “The Kelpies have become an iconic landmark and major tourist attraction for Scotland with the Maquettes acting as cultural ambassadors to promote the Falkirk area and the nation as a whole. We are delighted that the Kelpie Maquettes are making their way to the Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail in July & August this year. This will certainly be a fantastic way to help us promote the real Kelpies to the many visitors to this fantastic event. “
The people of Kirkcudbright are set to welcome the arrival of the two tonne sculptures on the 25th July with bunting bagpipes and a carnival atmosphere.
Pauline Saul also added that they would like to thank Falkirk Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Kelpie Maquettes creator Andy Scott for making it possible for the Maquettes to pay a visit to Kirkcudbright.
For people who want to find out more about Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail and the Maquettes visit, they can log on to www.artandcraftstrail.co.uk
