A Perthshire sculptor spent the morning horsing around on his latest creation at the weekend.
David Tipping had “neigh” problem keeping the mighty steed under control, despite its impressive size.
The heavy horse has been made from corten steel the same material used to build the Angel of the North and celebrates the equine heritage of Coupar Angus. It has been installed on a prominent display area opposite the Red House Hotel.
The town has long been associated with the animals, hosting a market every March for over a century.
As well as giving farmers the chance to acquire new horses in time for the ploughing season, it also gave labourers the opportunity to find employment.
The fair, which attracted hundreds of visitors, ended after 2011 due to a lack of volunteers and has never returned.
Keen to pay tribute to the popular event, the Coupar Angus Pride of Place group launched a bid to install a piece of public art.
A spokesperson said: “It has been designed by local resident David Tipping and while acknowledging the heritage of the town, the name being given to the horse sculpture is Clyde.
“This name not only reflects the breed of horse long associated with the town, but marks the installation of the horse in 2014, a year that sees the name also adopted by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games mascot.
“The sculpture has been made possible due to the funding secured from Perth and Kinross Council and the NHS Cash4Communities grant scheme.
We also received tremendous support from David, local blacksmith Tam Miller, builder Jonny Thomas and Keith Langelaan.”
The unveiling of the statue will be used to promote Coupar Angus Pride of Place’s entry for the Beautiful Scotland competition, which it won last year. “This is a project that epitomises this support and reflects the local support for Pride of Place and its aim of environmental improvements,” the spokesperson added.
Picture by Ron Stephen