The mystical Kelpies are set to visit Irvine's shores this weekend just in time for the Maritime Museums' upcoming 'Sea Monsters' exhibit.
Based on the Scottish folk tale of shape-shifting water spirits, the Kelpies were immortalised by artist Andy Scott who created the 30-metre-high sculptures to symbolise the horse-powered heritage of Scotland’s canals.
A 1/10 scale replica of the rearing horse heads will make its way to the Puffers cafe for the second time since 2017.
This visit is nicely timed for the upcoming sea monster exhibition set to be unveiled at the museum this Saturday which celebrates the murky world of mermaids, Nessie and strange monsters lurking beneath the waves.
Real fossils on loan from The Huntarian at the University of Glasgow of an Ichthyosaurus which was a large marine reptile; an Acrodus Anningiae which is an extinct cartilaginous fish and even the fossil of a Carcharocles Megalodon, which was an even scarier version of the Great White Shark, can be viewed over the weekend.
The half-man, half-fish ‘Sea Monk’ monster from the 16th century will be on display — can you figure out if it is real or fake?
Guests will also be treated to fun fairground games.
Christopher Woodland, commercial manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Kelpie Maquettes back to Irvine Harbourside. They were hugely popular with visitors last time and, judging by the wonderful response we’ve had already, many more people will enjoy the chance to view these beautiful sculptures up close.
“For those wanting to see a little more of Andy Scott’s work, his ‘Sculpture of a Child’ stands proud at Irvine’s Sainsbury’s just a short walk away.”
Up to three children receive free entry with each Adult/Concession ticket.
The Kelpie Maquettes are on display next to the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Puffers Café on Harbour Street, Irvine, between 10am – 5pm daily as part of the Museum’s Sea Monsters! exhibition and the North Ayrshire Making Waves Festival.
For more information visit www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org or follow @scotmaritime on social media
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