Date :
25/11/2014
The Kelpies, two 90ft horse head sculptures in Falkirk have been named ‘National Treasures’ by the Scottish public in a poll run by the National Lottery - just six months after their unveiling.
The Kelpies, created by artist Andy Scott, are based at the gateway to the Forth and Clyde canal at the Helix and have become a popular tourist attraction since opening in April 2014.
A £25 million award from Big Lottery’s ‘Living Landmarks’ Fund, and a partnership between Falkirk Council, Central Scotland Forest Trust and Scottish Canals helped fund The Kelpies and Helix project.
The Helix project began in 2003, with the aim of creating a local green space to connect local communities won the coveted title of Best Environment Project at the National Lottery Awards 2014.
The project has had a massive impact on the local area and further afield since opening last year according to Andrew Thin, chair of Scottish Canals. He said;
"We are so proud of everything the Helix has achieved to date. The landscape between Falkirk and Grangemouth has been completely transformed by this project - we now have an incredible green space for everyone to use and enjoy. It simply couldn't have happened without National Lottery funding.”
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