Visitor to the Kelpies

A visitor to the Kelpies takes a picture . The Kelpies have had over 2 million visitors since they opened in 2014.

The Kelpies have been very beneficial for tourism in Falkirk , an area not known for its visitor attractions until the Falkirk Wheel opened in 2001 . Despite the setbacks faced by the tourism sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitor numbers falling by around one-third, tourism still managed to bring in £85 million from 600,000 visits to the Falkirk area in 2021​​. The following year, in 2022/23, the Helix Park, which is home to The Kelpies, welcomed 860,000 visitors, generating approximately £1.5 million from the park itself. The Helix has also received the Green Tourism Business Gold Award, with nearly 94% of visitors rating their experience at The Helix and The Kelpies four or five stars on Trip Advisor​​.

This impact has been recognized and bolstered by initiatives such as the new Falkirk Area Tourism Strategy, which was approved to stimulate the local economy, increase visitor numbers, and promote sustainable tourism across the area. This strategy aligns with the Council’s plans and aims to position Falkirk as a thriving destination​​.

Moreover, The Kelpies have elevated the area’s status to a five-star tourist destination, attracting visitors not only from across Scotland and the UK but also from around the world. The sculptures themselves are celebrated as a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering, contributing significantly to the transformation of the area into a highly-regarded tourist attraction​

 Andy McCluskey of OMD live at Party at the Palace 2023

 Andy McCluskey of OMD was in great form at Party at the Palace 2023. He joked with the crowd that they would only play songs from the last 10 years. Then he said” will we fuck ! “

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark ( OMD ) playing live at Party at the Palace, Linlithgow.

The group consists of co-founders Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark ( OMD ) playing live at Party at the Palace, Linlithgow.

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark ( OMD ) playing live at Party at the Palace, Linlithgow , 13 August 2023. The group consists of co-founders Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)