The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world, are Scotland’s mythical horse head sculptures. Unveiled in April 2014, these 30-metre high horse-head sculptures are situated in Helix Park Falkirk in Scotland. The Kelpies are a monument to Scotland’s horse-powered industrial heritage.
What are ‘kelpies’?
Kelpies are shape-changing aquatic spirits with a number of Scottish legends. The name was probably derived from the Scottish Gaelic words ‘cailpeach’ or ‘colpach’, meaning heifer or colt.
According to legend Kelpies are malevolent spirits said to haunt rivers and streams, usually in the shape of a horse. It has the intent to harm, so beware. A kelpie might be disguised as a cute tame pony on a river bed,particularly attractive to children. Once the child is on the back of the Kelpie, the sticky magical hide will not allow them to dismount. The Kelpie will then, almost like an african crocodile, drag its prey into the river and eat the poor child.
Kelpies also has magical powers to sweep an unsuspecting traveler into a watery grave by creating a flash flood. A Kelpie’s tail entering the water sounds like thunder and if you hear wailing or howling when passing a river or expanse of water be careful, a storm might be coming.
Kelpies do however have a weak spot at its bridle. If you can get hold of a kelpie’s bridle will have command over it and.a captive kelpie is said to have the strength of at least 10 horses with the stamina of many more. A captive Kelpie is thus highly prized and there is a rumour that the MacGregor clan managed to capture a kelpie’s bridle and then passed down through the generations, making the clan powerful. It is said to have come from a MacGregorr who took it from a kelpie near Loch Slochd.
The Kelpie and the ten children.
🏴 Your Scottish clan has a story waiting to be found.
Trace your ancestors back to the county they called home — their clan, their tartan, their story. Our free guide walks you through every Scottish record, DNA database, and genealogy archive. No experience needed.
Claim Your Free Scottish Ancestry Guide →A famous Scottish folk tale tells the story of the kelpie and the ten children. The Kelpie managed to lure nine children onto its back and then kept on chasing the tenth child. It finally catches up with the child who strokes the “friendly” pony” on its nose and his finger gets stuck. Fortunately for the child he manages to cut off his own finger and escapes, however the other nine children are dragged into a watery grave.
In Scotland there is another water horse, the ‘Each-uisge’, this one lives in lochs and is reputed to be even more vicious than the kelpie.
So beware when strolling by a river, a stream or a loch taking in the beauty of it all, you never know that you might be watched from the water by a malevolent kelpie.
And you thought the Loch Ness monster was scary.
Secure Your Dream Scottish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Scotland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions dampen your adventure. Iconic experiences like exploring Edinburgh Castle, cruising along Loch Ness, or wandering through the mystical Isle of Skye often fill up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Scotland's hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
***************************************************
DISCLAIMER Last updated May 29, 2023
WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
The information provided by Love to Visit LLC ('we', 'us', or 'our') on https:/loveotvisitscotland.com (the 'Site') is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
EXTERNAL LINKS DISCLAIMER
The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us.
WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following:
- Viator
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.
