Irn-Bru submits plan to 'transform The Kelpies into unicorns'
The council is carrying out a 'call for ideas and sites' ahead of its new Local Development Plan – which determines its vision and strategy for Falkirk's future.
The call for ideas is an opportunity for individuals, community groups or other organisations to suggest 'new uses, improvements, or protection' for sites the area.
Falkirk Council says these will be considered in preparing its proposals.
Responding to the call, Irn-Bru submitted a suggestion for giant unicorn horns to be mounted onto the Kelpies to 'celebrate and raise awareness of the unicorn's status as Scotland's national animal'.
Sculptor Andy Scott designed the monumental pair of horse-heads in 2013 based on the concept of the mythical water horses.
The stand over the eastern gateway of the Forth and Clyde Canal that runs across Scotland's Central Belt.
But Irn-Bru has suggested the sculptures could be adapted to represent different mythological horses.
The proposal comes with CGI artwork showing how the sculptures would look with the horns added.
The mythical beasts have been Scotland's official national animal since the 1500s, according to the drinks maker, which also suggested the horns should be added temporarily each World Unicorn Day – celebrated on April 9. Irn Bru Irn-Bru has suggested transforming The Kelpies into unicorns every year on World Unicorn Day. Irn Bru
Kenny Nicholson, head of brand at Irn-Bru said: 'The Kelpies are one of the most inspiring sculptures in the UK – an incredible feat of engineering and creativity – so we think they're the perfect spot to celebrate Scotland's most legendary animal.'
The submission to Falkirk Council's call for ideas is part of a PR stunt for the launch of the Irn-Bru's latest flavour – branded Unicorn Tears.
'By crowning them with a unicorn horn every World Unicorn Day, we can help tell the story of Scotland's centuries-long love affair with the unicorn – from royal seals and ancient coins, all the way to cans of Irn-Bru Xtra's new Unicorn Tears flavour,' Ms Nicholson said.
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The Herald Scotland
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- The Herald Scotland
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The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
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Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Daily Record
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His architects had told planners that the cracked lead roof is beyond repair and has caused 'water ingress'. Hollywood star Ewan McGregor's bid to fix the leaky roof of his listed £2.35m Perthshire mansion has been rejected by PKC. The local authority said in its decision that approval was contrary to planning and development policies. The 54-year-old Trainspotting actor bought the C-listed Glencarse House near Perth two years ago. He has already received permission for multiple upgrades at the home, set in more than 18 acres of Carse of Gowrie land and gardens. The villa was originally an Adam design dating to 1790, with alterations carried out in the late 1800s and 1920s. The latest application involved replacing a 'defective' lead roof with single-ply membrane Sarnafil and replacing existing skylights with double glazed units. His architects had told planners that the cracked lead roof is beyond repair and has caused 'water ingress'. But in a written decision PKC stated: '...The proposed replacement roof structure, single-ply membrane and PVC battens, and lantern rooflight features would not preserve the listed building's fine detail character and special architectural interest and would not be an appropriate solution or approach in protecting and enhancing the existing roof form and materiality.' The plans were contrary to Local Development Plan policy 'which favours retention and sympathetic restoration, as the proposed replacement roof structure' and the proposed features would 'adversely affect the listed building's character and special architectural interest, by virtue of reprofiling the roof, the use of non-traditional methods and materials.' A heritage officer's submission pointed out that 'a lead roof can last up to 200 years if it is installed and maintained correctly. 'Lead is also an infinitely recyclable material, making it a more environmentally sustainable choice relative to synthetic oil-based materials.' It was further stated: 'Potential theft is mentioned as a further reason to support the loss of the lead roof covering. 'Given the extensive CCTV coverage on site, Glencarse is unlikely to be vulnerable to lead theft. There is no evidence that the roof has been subject to theft in the past. No structural evidence has been provided demonstrating that the existing roof structure cannot take the weight of a lead roof, as suggested by the supporting statement. If this was the case, the roof structure could be upgraded under the guidance of a structural engineer.'
