Kirkcudbright harbour will see a throng of activity on the 25th July as the Kelpie Maquettes roll into town. The kelpies are set to arrive at 2.30 with an official unveiling taking place at 7.15. A piper, a festivities princess ,heavy shire horses and a ukulele band will create a jamboree atmosphere for the arrival of these equine structures. Visitors and locals alike are invited to bring a picnic and view the proceedings from Moat Brae.
Fast becoming an international Scottish icon, with appearances in New York, Chigago and at the prestigious Ryder Cup. The Maquettes have been helping to shine a light on Scotland in general and their home town of Falkirk in particular since they were created in 2014. The Maquettes are a miniature version of the world famous Kelpies which are the 100 foot high horse heads situated in the Helix regeneration park between Falkirk and Grangemouth.
Created by renowned Scottish Sculptor Andy Scott, the Maquettes are exact replicas of the Kelpies and were in fact created first as one tenth size models to base the full sized 300 tonne Kelpies on.
They will be on loan to Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail from the 25th July until the 29th August.
Speaking on behalf of the organising team who have secured the loan of the Kelpies 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 Maquettes will be placed at the area know as Fisherman’s Green which is adjacent to Kirkcudbright harbour. Their positioning has created interest amongst photographers who are looking forward to capturing the 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
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
For those wishing to find out more about the Kelpies and their part in the wider Falkirk regeneration project they can visit www.visitfalkirk.com
