The Kelpies

Text (July 2021) and photography (July 27, 2019) by Christian Speck

«There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.»

Sir William Connolly CBE
Born 24 November 1942, Scottish former actor, artist, comedian, musician and presenter; sometimes known, especially in his homeland, by the Scots nickname the Big Yin («the Big One») (Source: Wikipedia).

So go on, put on the rain poncho and off we go - weather sealed, water resistant, full of anticipation, smiling in the pouring rain: Welcome to the Helix Park alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal near Falkirk, Scotland, welcome to The Kelpies!

Indeed, the weather was too wet for most of the visitors, they prefered to stay inside the Visitors Centre at the coffee shop.

I was blown away by the tremendous size and the expressiveness of the two giant steel sculptures by Andy Scott, The Kelpies! They are named after their Clydesdale model horses Duke (head down, 26.5 metres) and Baron (head up, 30 metres). Just imagine their overall size from head to toe!

What is a Kelpie?

In Scottish folklore the kelpie (or water kelpie) is usually described as a powerful and beautiful black horse inhabiting the deep pools of rivers and streams of Scotland, preying on any humans it encounters. In some cases, kelpies take their victims into the water, devour them, and throw the entrails to the water’s edge. In its equine form the kelpie is able to extend the length of its back to carry many riders together into the depths; a common theme in the tales is of several children clambering onto the creature’s back while one remains on the shore. (Source: Wikipedia)

See the breathtaking book «The Secret of the Kelpie», retold by award-winning author Lari Don and illustrated by Philip Longson:

«Every loch in Scotland, however beautiful,
has its cold, dark depths.
And every loch in Scotland has its kelpie.
But it’s easy to forget those dangers
on a sunny afternoon…»

From the book «The Secret of the Kelpie» by Lari Don and Philip Longson.

Duke

Monochromes, almost black & white

After a short coffee break inside the coffee shop I went out again - whatever the weather! Never mind - although my camera is not weather sealed, my rain poncho will protect it!

Thanks for the rain!

At the end of the day, I was even glad that it had rained all day.
Although shot in color, the images appear to be black and white. Look at these subtle tones - beautiful, aren't they?

Uncanny temptation

I couldn't get enough of the two giants! Strange, isn't it? Like an uncanny temptation.
Could the stories about the kelpies be true at the end?

Terrible last seconds

Considering the fact that I used my wide angle lens, Dukes nose was pretty close! Maybe two or three metres from me.

Would it look like that before the kelpie devours you? A frightening thought!

Raindrops on my lens. That was probably the reason, why he did not snap at me.