ASVA E-ZINE

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of the ASVA E-Zine

asva.co.uk [email protected] 07458 306982

Internationally Acclaimed Artists Join Kelpies Tenth Anniversary Celebrations

April 2024

The creator and sculptor of the iconic Kelpies at The Helix, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, Andy Scott, has returned to Scotland from his home in Los Angeles, California, in advance of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the world-renowned equine structures, as the latest star to perform at Kelpies 10 on 27 April 2024, is announced.

Internationally acclaimed musician from Glasgow, Rebecca Vasmant, will join an impressive line-up of acts taking part in the special event to celebrate the tenth anniversary, organised by Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals. Set to be an incredible celebration of Falkirk’s heritage, the Kelpies 10 event will mark ten years since the launch of the Kelpies in 2014, which stand at 100ft tall and weigh more than 300 tonnes each, situated between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

The Kelpies were modelled on two Clydesdale horses, Duke and Baron, and mark the huge contribution the horses made to industries within Falkirk. They were the power behind numerous local industries, agriculture and day to day transport. With the breed now listed as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and only 500-900 Clydesdales left in Scotland, the Kelpies provide a lasting legacy to the Clydesdales’ tremendous contribution to Scottish working life.

The ‘Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble’ will be part of the very first evening concert to take place on the site at Kelpies 10, headlined by up and coming Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie and the world’s most famous bagpipe band, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, who will be performing a set of their groundbreaking ‘Bagrock’, a fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems.

Gates open at 5pm for the evening event, which will be ticketed. After a screening of Walid Salhab’s ‘The Kelpies’ and a short anniversary film, the live music will kick off from 7pm, featuring Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble, a set from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and a fire show from Pyroceltica. The evening will culminate in a 60-minute set from the fast-rising Scottish star, Callum Beattie.

Scottish Canals commissioned Andy Scott to create The Kelpies, where they now stand in the Helix Park, on the canal link between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the River Carron. Since their launch, Helix Park has welcomed over seven million visitors from all over the world; The Kelpies play a huge role in contributing to a £85 million tourism spend in the Falkirk region annually.

Rebecca Vasmant said: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the Kelpies 10 event, celebrating these iconic sculptures which have come to represent all that is great about Scotland. We are delighted to be playing this special set with some brand new music from our forthcoming album, telling stories of connection to nature, being one with the planet, using moments of reflection as well as movement with dance.”

Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: “Since their original construction, The Kelpies have brought millions of visitors from Scotland, the UK and across the globe to witness these iconic structures that feature so prominently on our local landscape. The event is a great way of celebrating their presence and ensuring the interest that they generate continues for decades to come.”

Scottish Canals’ Chief Executive Officer John Paterson said: “Scottish Canals had a vision to create a piece of art at the eastern gateway to Scotland’s historic Forth & Clyde Canal.

“The Kelpies pay homage to the working horses of Scotland which used to pull barges along Scotland’s canals and worked in fields in the area where they now stand. Now almost a decade on and these magnificent works of art are global waterways icons attracting thousands of visitors to Scotland each year.

“We look forward to celebrating 10 years of The Kelpies, a true celebration of collaborative working. Our magnificent Kelpies will be the big attraction on Saturday, 27 April, with events going on throughout the day for all ages to enjoy. Please join us in celebrating our remarkable structures as we look forward to the next 10 years as we continue to make better lives by water.”

To find out more about the Kelpies 10 event and to book tickets for the evening event, please click here.

Photograph: Andy Scott with the Clydesdales at the Kelpies

« back

Member News

Stirling Old Town Jail Awarded Coveted Five-Star Grading by VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme
Stirling Old Town Jail has proudly achieved a prestigious five-star grading from the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme.
Read more »

Edinburgh Zoo Named Best Zoo in Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.
Read more »

Summerlee Celebrates Four Millionth Visitor
Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.
Read more »

Research Reveals Da Vinci Code Impact at Rosslyn Chapel - 21 Years After Publication
Visitors to Rosslyn Chapel are still strongly influenced by its role in The Da Vinci Code according to new research undertaken to mark the 21st anniversary of the book, which was first published on 18th March 2003.
Read more »

Internationally Acclaimed Artists Join Kelpies Tenth Anniversary Celebrations
The creator and sculptor of the iconic Kelpies at The Helix, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, Andy Scott, has returned to Scotland from his home in Los Angeles, California, in advance of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the world- renowned equine structures, as the latest star to perform at Kelpies 10 on 27 April 2024, is announced.
Read more »

The Search is on for Scotland’s Nature Tourism Champions
Whether you are a pioneering business or a collaborative partnership, this is your moment to be celebrated. With headline sponsor NatureScot, RSPB are recognising the people and initiatives protecting Scotland’s nature – open to all.
Read more »

Major Exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk to Open at V&A Dundee
The fascinating story of the style, appeal and influence of the kimono is explored in a major exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Saturday 4 May.
Read more »

The National Trust for Scotland Launches Global Access to its Robert Burns Collection
Over 2,500 historic items from the National Trust for Scotland’s internationally important collections from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway are now available to explore from anywhere in the world.
Read more »

Verdant Works Undergoes Brand Refresh with Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Scotland’s only jute museum, founded in a refurbished 1833 mill in the heart of Dundee - the city once coined ‘juteopolis’ - has undergone a brand refresh, with thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Read more »

Introducing ‘LemurLounge’: A New Chapter in Enrichment at Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond Safari Park are proud to announce their latest collaboration with researchers from the University of Glasgow to introduce groundbreaking enrichment for zoo lemurs.
Read more »

Learn About 17th Century Medicine at The Real Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close launched its brand-new Medical History Tours, a unique guided experience which takes guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time.
Read more »

Aberdeen Science Centre Promotes Inclusivity with New Sensory Space
Aberdeen Science Centre has introduced a new Sensory Space to support visitors that could feel overwhelmed or overstimulated whilst at the centre.
Read more »

Get Your Quack On! Dalkeith Country Park to Host Doddie Duck Race in Support of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
Grab your rubber duckies and mark your calendars because Dalkeith Country Park is gearing up for a quack-tastic charity event - the Doddie Duck Race!
Read more »