Miniature versions of Scotland’s largest art installation The Kelpies will be welcomed to St Andrews with a carnival and parade.
A procession including children dressed as horses and mythical creatures will precede the official unveiling of the Kelpies Maquettes on Saturday, July 29.
Sculptor Andy Scott and Jim Carruth, the poet who inspired the 98ft high horse heads in Falkirk, will be present.
It is anticipated that the display of The Kelpies’ smaller cousins on the Bruce Embankment, near the Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse, will provide a significant boost for the local economy.
It is also expected the touring 10ft high heads, which were recently on display in Perth, will raise the town’s profile even further, with people posting ‘Kelpie selfies’ and sharing photography with the Old Course and West Sands as the backdrop.
Debbie MacCallum, of Tourism St Andrews, said: “They will be massively popular and will really bring a lot of footfall into the town.
“A lot of people like to go and see the maquettes when they are in different places.
“They will be a great photographic opportunity in St Andrews.
“In Kirkcudbright and other places we know there has been a phenomenal boost to the economy.
“The benefits would also spread to the rest of Fife, with people heading to the East Neuk as well and other areas.”
She said she also hoped their presence would help build a business case for further artwork in the town, such as a sculpture trail of golfing legends.
She said: “You could have Old Tom Morris sitting on a bench and people would be able to sit down and have a chat with him.”
The parade from St Andrews Castle at 10.30am will be led by Clydesdale horse Pixie and the City of St Andrews Pipe Band and arrived at the Bruce Embankment for the unveiling at 11am.
A carnival will continue until 4pm with activities for children, story teller Sheila Kininmonth and folk band Mosses and Lichens.
The maquettes were crafted by Scott as models for The Kelpies and have toured the globe promoting Scotland.
There was great excitement when they recently went on display in Perth.
They will be in St Andrews during two high profile golfing tournaments, the Ricoh British Women’s Open at nearby Kingsbarns and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Tourism St Andrews, the newly formed local tourist authority for the town, was delighted to have secured a visit from the maquettes, which will be installed from 6.30am on Monday, July 24.
