The Kelpies, Grangemouth

The Kelpies, two 30 metre high steel sculptures, suddenly rise up in front of drivers on the M9 near Grangemouth, in sharp contrast to an otherwise flat industrial landscape.

Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, the Kelpies occupy centre stage in the Helix, a 350 hectare parkland project built to connect 16 communities in the Falkirk Council Area of Scotland.

The sculptures, each made from 300 tonnes of structural steel, are a tribute to the tradition of the working horses of Scotland which used to pull barges along Scotland's canals and worked in the fields in the nearby area.

 

They are the largest public artworks in Scotland and the largest pair of equine sculptures in the world.
Kelpies are mythical aquatic creatures from Scottish folklore; supernatural shape-shifting water horses that are said to haunt the rivers and streams of Scotland.

 

















Nearby, the legacy of the working horses is evoked in stone, by Jim Carruth, Scotland's leading rural poet.

Echo the great beasts that work among us

unbridled in this kingdom between canal and firth

here to harness the river

and carry each weary traveller

Bow down your strong heads to taste the water

Stretch up your long necks to face the sun

I have read conflicting views of the Kelpies sculptures, some people are of the opinion they are not "art" and are a waste of money.

I'm no art critic, but I know what I like and I absolutely love them. I must go back and see them lit up at night!

Thanks for visiting, hope you've enjoyed the photos. 

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Plockton

Plockton, is a picturesque village nestled in a sheltered bay on the shores of Loch Carron in the Lochalsh region of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors arriving by road may find themselves navigating around a herd of very laid back and immovable Highland Cattle.

Once reliant on fishing and crofting, Plockton is now a popular tourist destination. Its quirky houses and the stunning views from the harbour are popular with photographers and artists seeking to capture something memorable.

 

The village benefits from a sheltered East facing position and a mild climate brought about by the North Atlantic Drift. Surrounded also by a ring of hills, Plockton has an abundance of varied scenery which has proven popular with film and television producers.

The BBC series Hamish Macbeth and Inspector Alleyn Mysteries were filmed in the village, as were some scenes from the film The Wicker Man.

A trip aboard the 'Sula Mhor' with Calum Mackenzie and his crew, is a very entertaining way to spend an hour or two with aspiring young sailors given the opportunity to steer the boat. Calum, a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, guarantees a seal sighting - or you don't pay!

We were in luck and spotted a several colonies of seals basking on various small rocky islands.

We also caught a glimpse of an otter, but as we slowly approached the rocky outcrop it was on it evidently decided we were too close for comfort and disappeared into the loch.

 

The return half of the trip provided a spectacular view of the dramatic Black Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye.

 

Continuing around the harbour on the way back to the pier the imposing Duncraig Castle came into view. Built in the 1860s, the building has had a varied history including a private home, a Naval hospital, a domestic science college for girls and most recently an upmarket B&B.

Once back at Plockton, eating fish and chips on the sunny harbour wall with ice cream to follow rounded off the day nicely.

More information about Calum's boat trips here...

More information about Duncraig Castle here...

Thanks for visiting, hope you've enjoyed the photos.