Kelpies Scotland – Shape Shifting Spirits

So, what are the Kelpie statues?

Widely touted as the largest horses in the world, the Kelpie embodies equine Scottish power. These statues are sculpted in the likeness of waterborne mythological creatures. On a more practical note, these shape shifting spirits form a gateway to the Clyde and Forth Canal in Falkirk, Scotland.

What’s it like exploring the Scottish Central Lowlands – Helix Park

First off, visiting the Kelpie figures is surreal, and Falkirk is stunning. Entrenched in natural beauty and surrounded by lochs, it’s easy to be charmed by the Scottish Central Lowlands.

When you walk up to the gargantuan masterpieces, you will most likely encounter swans walking about. Personally, I am a big fan; however, I quickly learned that most of the locals are less than enthusiastic when it comes to these graceful birds. Surprised at how this quickly became a topic of conversation, I moved along. Try not to be taken aback that these creatures are not beloved across the pond.

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Lose yourself in the majesty of the Kelpie statues. 

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Designed by modern artist Andy Scott, the horse heads are executed in a sleek style that is dripping with emotion. The Kelpie statues are nothing short of amazing. You can almost feel empathy being projected from their eyes. And, I imagine that task is pretty hard to accomplish when working with steel.

Something about these statues feels ethereal and simultaneously royal. Yet, there is an air of contemplation and maybe even sadness. It’s a lot to take in, and I suppose it is easy to project your own emotions onto the horses. Still, there is just something about them that demands your attention.

If you embrace the draw of striding among mythical horses, it’s easy to lose yourself in the reverie of the Kelpies. You can’t help but wish they would spring to life and begin a new quest. My fingers are still crossed.

Overall – the Kelpies Scotland

An afternoon spent hanging out with the Kelpie spirits is magical. And, you never know what fun facts you will discover from the locals. While walking around, I learned that the Clydesdale originally hails from Scotland. Super Bowl beer ads (which I love), convinced me that the breed was native to America. Not so!

Pro Tip: This activity in Helix Park is completely free, so it won’t eat into your travel budget. It’s an incredible Scottish road trip. Embracing modern art in a country that revels in historical monuments is quite the spectacle. The juxtaposition is incredibly chic.