A mini version of the iconic Kelpies sculpture will go on show in Perth this summer.
The city’s Black Watch Castle and Museum will host the 10ft horses heads which were hand-crafted by renowned sculptor Andy Scott. They were made as he worked on the now famous 300-tonne Kelpies at Falkirk.
The maquettes, known as the mini Kelpies, have travelled the globe with stops at New York, Chicago and the Scottish Parliament.
They will arrive at Perth’s Balhousie Castle, home of the Black Watch museum, on June 2.
Anne Kinnes, chief executive officer for the museum, said: “The team are thrilled to welcome the Kelpie maquettes.
“They will play a significant part in our ongoing partnership with local and national artists and organisations to showcase a selection of art, poetry and sculpture at the castle.”
She said: “The touring maquettes are a fitting tribute to the history of the working horse in Scotland. Their time at the castle and museum will encourage us all to reflect on the important role of horses throughout Scottish and military history.”
The striking sculptures will be placed in the courtyard of the castle.
Last summer, the poignant poppies memorial Weeping Window drew more than 110,000 people to Balhousie Castle.
The ceramic flowers were originally part of the Blood Swept Lands artwork which was unveiled at the Tower of London in 2014.
The Black Watch Museum tells the story of The Black Watch, Scotland’s premier Highland regiment, from its formation in 1881 to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pete Reid, manager of the Growth Investment Unit at Falkirk Council, said: “We are delighted that the Kelpie maquettes will be visiting the Black Watch Castle and Museum in June of this year.
“The Kelpie maquettes are fantastic travelling ambassadors for the Kelpies, and have travelled to key events in New York, the Ryder Cup, the Grand National and many more.”
The original Kelpies stand nearly 100ft tall and were created as a dramatic centrepiece of the Helix, an area of parkland between Falkirk and Grangemouth.
They pay homage to Scotland’s tradition of working horses which used to pull barges along the country’s canals.
The mini Kelpies will stay in Perth until Monday, June 19.
