Sculptor Andy Scott’s ‘horses heads’ project takes a step closer

Art project: Andy Scott, with horse Duyke and Barron who the sculptures were based on, and a model of the structures.

The company who built the new footbridge over the M8 at Harthill have been named as the successful bidder to construct the new artwork by Glasgow-based sculptor Andy Scott.

Scott’s The Kelpies will feature two 30m stainless steel-plated horses heads. They will form part of the Helix Project, a £41m regeneration plan to transform 350 hectares of land between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

The £5m contract to build the horses has been awarded to North Yorkshire-based company SH Structure who, along with the M8 project, have worked on developments at Silverburn and Braehead shopping centres.

Tim Burton, sales and marketing manager of SH Structures, said he is delighted the company would be part of a development which has the potential to deliver an impact on Scottish tourism.

He added: “Projects of this nature and scale are rare and provide a significant opportunity to be involved in delivering a lasting legacy that will instil a great sense of pride for everyone involved. This is a significant contract win and we are excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

Andy Scott added: “SH Structures reputation for delivering public art works stood out for me and I am confident that they have the right skills and understanding to transport The Kelpies from concept through to completion. I look forward to working with the team over the coming months and to seeing The Kelpies begin to take shape.

“The heavy horse played a hugely influential role in the progress of modern society. They were the powerhouse of the early industrial revolution, the tractors of early agriculture and, of course, the first source of locomotion for barges on the very canal, which The Kelpies will inhabit.

“I see The Kelpies as a personification of that history, of the lost industries of Scotland, but I also see them as a symbol of modern Scotland "proud and majestic".

The Helix Project will include a new park with an enclosed lagoon and canal link. The project, a partnership between Falkirk Council, British Waterways Scotland and Central Scotland Forest Trust, has been awarded £25m by the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks programme.

People who read this story also read