Fabrication contract awarded for giant equine sculptures

The multi-million pound contract to fabricate two 30m high stainless steel plated horses heads, as part of a £41M regeneration project in central Scotland, has been awarded to S H Structures.

Known as The Kelpies and created by world renowned artist Andy Scott, the structures will form the centrepiece of the Helix Project, which will transform land between Falkirk and Grangemouth into a new visitor attraction and park.

One of the giant sculptures will accommodate a visitor centre, while both heads will require more than 6km of structural steel tube for their construction. More than 10,000 fixings will secure the skin cladding to the steelwork.

Tim Burton, Sales and Marketing Manager of S H Structures, said: “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.”

The Clydesdale horse played a hugely influential role in inspiring Mr Scott to create the sculptures and their 3m high models (pictured) which were created as project templates.

“I see The Kelpies as a personification of the lost industries of Scotland as well as a symbol of the modern proud and majestic Scoltand,” said Mr Scott.