Kelpie head is an offer the airport can't refuse

A STRIKING sculpture by one of the UK's leading artists is set for an airing on the approach to Edinburgh Airport, if planning chiefs give the project a green light.

Two four-metre high horse heads forged from galvanised steel are expected to turn a few heads if granted permission to be installed on a roundabout next to the Hilton Hotel this August.

The artworks are miniature replicas of The Kelpies - a 100ft tall landmark planned for the Forth and Clyde Canal near Falkirk, created by renowned Scots sculptor Andy Scott

Once completed, the Falkirk showpiece be one of the largest equine sculptures in the world.

Measuring just one-tenth of that size, Edinburgh's equivalent will be on a smaller scale but as a "gateway" to the Capital, airport chiefs are hoping to make an immediate visual impact on visiting tourists.

Mr Scott said: "Edinburgh Airport has been speaking with me for some time about creating something and while we were in dialogue I had mentioned possibly using replicas of The Kelpies.

"They responded enthusiastically to that and we are hopefully going to get them installed this August, subject to planning permission obviously."

Mr Scott, whose prodigious output has included works across Scotland as well as Belfast, Australia and Spain, said replicas of The Kelpies would be exhibited at the airport roundabout for just one month before being removed, but he admitted negotiations were under way over a permanent artwork at the site.

"I think artworks like these can really help to create the right image as visitors arrive into the Capital, creating a sense of place and pride," he said.

"This is just a trial for a month but I have submitted some designs already for when it is removed and there will be dialogue about what could be installed there in future.

"It's early days and there's a number of partners involved in the process so I am mindful of protocol and not to give too much away just yet. Having something there in future would be a fantastic asset and I will be doing my best to get something there."

A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said while The Kelpies replica would be in place for a month, it was their intention to install a "unique" artwork at the site in 2012.

"We are committed to providing the best gateway that we can," he said. "We are in the process of identifying what's appropriate for the site.

"We have been talking with people and trying to gauge what the public would respond to.

"We want something unique for Edinburgh."