The Helix, home of Scotland's newest cultural landmark, The Kelpies, has won a national engineering award.
The Helix was named as the winner of the Saltire Society 2014 Civil Engineering Award on Wednesday, beating off competition including the Hydro in Glasgow, Waverley train station in Edinburgh and the Kessock Bridge refurbishment in Inverness. Special mention was given to the role the creation of The Kelpies played in the project.
The 300-tonne, 30m tall horse head sculptures – the largest in the world – are a key part of the £43 million project, which has transformed 350 hectares of underused land between Grangemouth and Falkirk into a world-class visitor destination, parkland and canal hub.
Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, said: “From Neptune’s Staircase to The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland’s canals have been associated with innovative engineering for more than 200 years. The Helix is the latest in that long line of ambitious civil engineering projects and we’re delighted the Saltire Society has recognised the many achievements of the development.
"Covering more than 350 hectares and featuring one of the most complex canal sections ever built, as well as the world’s largest pair of equine sculptures, the project is a great example of how strong, committed partnerships can deliver a bold vision and bring lasting positive change to local communities and Scotland as a whole.
“The Helix and The Kelpies have captured imaginations the world over and, along with The Falkirk Wheel, are an enduring symbol of the renaissance of Scotland's waterways. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has helped deliver the project.”
Cllr Adrian Mahoney, Falkirk Council spokesperson for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “It is great to see the Helix project recognised for the impressive engineering feat that it is.
“The Helix, and particularly the Kelpies, have become synonymous with the local area, and drawn tourists from all over the world.
“Considering the outstanding quality of the other shortlisted engineering projects this year, we are honoured to win this award from the Saltire Society.”
The Saltire Society's civil engineering awards, conducted in association with the Institution of Civil Engineers, recognise excellence in civil engineering in Scotland. The awards have been showcasing the very best in Scottish civil engineering for over 30 years.
The Helix is a partnership between Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals and supported by the Big Lottery Fund
Convenor of the awards panel, Gordon Pomphrey said: "The adjudication panel had no hesitation in recommending the Helix development for the overall Saltire Civil Engineering Award 2014.
"In particular I feel it merits award in the project, design and construction categories. The project involved a wide range of stakeholders from its conception and throughout the design process and provided regeneration to the area resulting in tangible benefits to the environment, local community and economy.
"There is no doubt that the Kelpies have quickly become another iconic must-see visitor attraction and will be an internationally recognised landmark for many years to come."
Hundreds of thousands of visitors have visited the majestic monuments to horse-powered heritage since they were unveiled to the world in April amidst a spectacular light, sound and flame display on the theme of Scotland as HOME. Designed by Glasgow artist Andy Scott, the Kelpies are inspired by Scotland's history of working horses which once pulled barges along the nearby Forth & Clyde Canal.
Jim Tough, Executive Director of the Saltire Society, added: "The Saltire Society Civil Engineering Awards has a longstanding tradition of recognising and celebrating the very best in Scottish Civil Engineering, and 2014 has been no exception.
"In what has been a hugely important year for Scotland we have seen engineering feats like SSE Hydro, Waverley Station and, of course, The Helix help to draw huge crowds from home and abroad cementing their legacy as icons of Scottish engineering."