Andy Scott, creator of the iconic Kelpies sculptures has created a major new work of art for Edinburgh’s New Town.
The giant chess piece has been installed by the artist and the long-standing silversmiths to the Queen, who have been based at 87 George Street since 1952, outside their showroom and will remain in place until the end of September.
The Rook, which is made of galvanised steel, is the first in a series of collaborations between Glasgow-born Scott and the famous Edinburgh firm.
The chariot horse – which is said to be evocative of ancient Persia – is an outsized version of a vast “Game of Kings” chess set Scott is creating with Hamilton & Inches. Its features include a feathered head-dress, bridle and collar.
Each hand-craft piece for the game, which will be able to be played on a 6.6 ft by 6.6 ft gaming table, will be based on the head and neck composition of The Kelpies.
The world’s largest equine sculptures have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the new Helix public park in Falkirk since they were unveiled in Falkirk two years ago.
Scott, a Glasgow School of Art graduate, has created more than 70 projects around the world, including the Heavy Horse next to the M8 motorway, the Ibrox Disaster Memorial and Arria, a sculpture of a female form, which overlooks the M80 at Cumbernauld.
He said today: “There is a mutual recognition and respect between myself and Hamilton & Inches team of silversmith craftsmen.
“You don’t see any computers in our workshops, our work is rooted in the traditions of Scottish craft and I like that.
Explore the famous Kelpies , the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House in Falkirk .
Tours start at 10.00 am weekdays and 1.30 pm weekends
Normal pickup point is Edinburgh city centre or the airport
Itinerary
- 5 hour private tour group day trip around Falkirk
- Explore the world famous Kelpies , a tribute to the Clydesdale horses that used to pull barges along the canals of Scotland
- the Falkirk Wheel , a unique rotating boat lift
- historic Callendar House featuring a working kitchen
- Take in unique views of the historic Callendar House and Park
- Small private group tour with a maximum of 4 people
- Kelpies gifts , including t-shirts , phone cases, prints and tote bags , can be bought online
Callendar House has just received a five-star rating from VisitScotland. The 14th century building, set within Callendar Park and opened to the public in 1996 after centuries as a family home with links to Mary Queen of Scots, has achieved the national tourism organisation’s top-quality award. The House dates back to the 14th century.
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