Mini Kelpies pull up in New York for Scotland Week

Scaled models of The Kelpies in New York City

The two 15-foot-high steel models, which are one tenth the size of the originals, are the largest equine sculptures in the world and were unveiled in the city’s Bryant Park on Friday.

Artist Andy Scott designed the original Kelpies which sit in the heart of the new 900-acre Helix Parkland in Falkirk and is also behind the miniature versions.

Scotland Week will be marked in events across the United States and Canada in April and incorporates the traditional New York Tartan Day Parade.

The sculptures are made from hundreds of small pieces of steel plate painstakingly welded to create the forms.

Inspiration for this work came from the Clydesdale horses that, for centuries, pulled boats and cargo along the towpaths of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals in Scotland.

Andy Scott said: “The Kelpies began their US tour in summer of 2012 in Chicago, then spent time at Purdue University in Indiana, and it is with great pleasure that I debut them in New York City at Bryant Park. I am honored to take part in a celebration of Scotland’s innovation and creativity during Scotland Week this April.

“We have received tremendous support from the Bryant Park Corporation, The City of New York Parks and Recreation, the American-Scottish Foundation and the Scottish Government to get the scale models on show in Bryant Park and I am confident they will help put Scotland, and the Helix project, firmly on the map – not only for resident New Yorkers, but for the many thousands of international visitors to the city.”

Scotland Week

The Kelpies herald the arrival of Scotland Week in April which comprises a diverse programme of Scottish-inspired events and activities that showcase the very best of Scottish culture.

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, “The Kelpies creatively illustrate how inspiration can be drawn from Scotland’s history and heritage to exhibit a modern piece of art. As we approach Scotland Week, we’re proud to bring a touch of Scotland to central Manhattan.”

The Kelpies will be on Fountain Terrace in Bryant Park from March 21 through April 22. Bryant Park can be accessed between 40th and 42nd Streets, and 5th and 6th Avenues.