The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Horsing around:
After visits to Chicago, New York and Edinburgh, the Kelpie maquettes – known as the mini Kelpies – have arrived at Perth’s Black Watch Castle and Museum.
A scaled-down version of the iconic Kelpies sculpture is expected to bring thousands of visitors to Perth.
The 10ft horse heads have been installed at the city’s Black Watch Castle and Museum.
They were handcrafted by renowned artist Andy Scott as he worked on the world famous 300-tonne version, now standing at Falkirk.
The maquettes, known as the mini Kelpies, have travelled the globe with stops at New York, Chicago and the Scottish Parliament.
Anne Kinnes, chief executive officer for the museum, said: “The team are thrilled to welcome the Kelpie maquettes.
“They will play a significant part in our ongoing partnership with local and national artists and organisations to showcase a selection of art, poetry and sculpture at the castle.”
She said: “The touring maquettes are a fitting tribute to the history of the working horse in Scotland; their time at the castle and museum will encourage us all to reflect on the important working role of horses throughout Scottish and military history.
“These striking sculptures will be located within the courtyard of the historic Balhousie Castle.”
The museum recently unveiled its latest, permanent memorial — a bronze sculpture of a Black Watch soldier created by artist Alan Herriot.
The new artwork has gone on display in the grounds of the castle.
Pete Reid, manager of Falkirk Council’s growth investment unit, said: “We are delighted that the Kelpie maquettes will be visiting the Black Watch Castle and Museum.
“The Kelpie maquettes are fantastic travelling ambassadors for the Kelpies, and have travelled to key events in New York, the Ryder Cup, the Grand National and many more.”
The original Kelpies stand nearly 100ft tall and were created as a dramatic centrepiece of the Helix, an area of parkland between Falkirk and Grangemouth.
They pay homage to Scotland’s tradition of working horses which pulled barges along the country’s canals.
The mini Kelpies will stay in Perth until Monday June 19.
The Black Watch Museum tells the story of The Black Watch, Scotland’s premier Highland regiment, from its formation in 1881 to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We are delighted that the Kelpie maquettes will be visiting the Black Watch Castle and Museum.
PETE REID
One of the highlights of 2016 in Perth was the stunning “weeping window” display at Balhousie Castle. The attraction drew huge crowds to the museum and helped to cement the Fair City’s reputation as a destination for tourists.
Now, the castle is playing host to a new exhibition, this time based on the Kelpies in Falkirk.
If it proves to be even a fraction as popular as the poppies it will be deemed to have been a huge success.