Model Kelpies to go on display at Edinburgh Zoo

RZSS Edinburgh Zoo will be home to the Kelpies Maquettes during the city's International Science Festival, it has been revealed.
The Kelpies Maquettes are now in position at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo for fans to enjoy during the International Science Festival. Picture: Edinburgh ZooThe Kelpies Maquettes are now in position at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo for fans to enjoy during the International Science Festival. Picture: Edinburgh Zoo
The Kelpies Maquettes are now in position at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo for fans to enjoy during the International Science Festival. Picture: Edinburgh Zoo

Visitors to the zoo will see the stunning three-metre high sculptures from Friday 25 March until Sunday 10 April, created by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott.

The models are a tribute to the 30-metre high Kelpies; two horses’ heads in Falkirk which were completed in November 2013.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Events Manager at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo Jo Paulson said: “The Maquettes have travelled the world as far as New York and Chicago to raise awareness of the world’s largest equine sculptures and they have now landed at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo.

Presentation Keeper Erica Oulton and three banded armadillo Rica poses in front of the Kelpies Maquettes designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Picture: Edinburgh ZooPresentation Keeper Erica Oulton and three banded armadillo Rica poses in front of the Kelpies Maquettes designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Picture: Edinburgh Zoo
Presentation Keeper Erica Oulton and three banded armadillo Rica poses in front of the Kelpies Maquettes designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Picture: Edinburgh Zoo

“It is a great honour to have been chosen to host them during the Edinburgh International Science Festival, of which Edinburgh Zoo is a partner, and they are a great added attraction for our visitors.”

Read More
Kelpies copyright questioned over football scarf plan

Edinburgh Zoo’s models will be positioned overlooking the Budongo Trail chimpanzee enclosure.

Falkirk Council’s Growth & Investment Manager, Pete Reid, added: “Just like The Kelpies, Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland’s best-loved attractions, and having the Kelpies Maquettes stationed there is a great way to encourage both visitors to the capital and Edinburgh locals to venture further afield and explore some of the fantastic sights and activities the Falkirk area has to offer.”

Presentation Keeper Erica Oulton and three banded armadillo Rica poses in front of the Kelpies Maquettes designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Picture: Edinburgh ZooPresentation Keeper Erica Oulton and three banded armadillo Rica poses in front of the Kelpies Maquettes designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Picture: Edinburgh Zoo
Presentation Keeper Erica Oulton and three banded armadillo Rica poses in front of the Kelpies Maquettes designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Picture: Edinburgh Zoo

Since the Kelpies were launched in April 2014, they have drawn over one million visitors to the site and appeared in major events such as New York’s Scotland Week and the 2014 Ryder Cup golf tournament.

Both the full-size sculpture and maquettes pay homage to the tradition of the working horses of Scotland, which were used to pull canal barges and plough fields.