Supernatural Kelpies launch student book

Two giant Kelpies gave a mythical stamp of approval to a student publishing venture at Craighouse Campus recently.

The supernatural water horses reared up at the campus to help promote a new edition of classic Scottish children’s book, The Kelpie’s Pearls. Written by Mollie Hunter, the novel has been given a fresh lease of life by students on the University’s MSc Publishing course through its Merchiston Publishing imprint.

Hundreds of copies of The Kelpie’s Pearls will now be given free to primary schools in the capital along with teaching materials based on Hunter’s magical tale.

Amanda Fisher, who helped project manage production of the book said: “Promoting literacy and the pleasure of a good read is at the heart of Merchiston Publishing’s remit, and we saw The Kelpie’s Pearls as the perfect book to capture the imaginations of a whole new generation of young Scots.”

Pupils from Leith’s Hermitage Park Primary School, who provided feedback on the project, today got a sneak preview of the new edition – and the three-metre high model Kelpies.

The metal-plated beasts are the brainchild of Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, who is also behind the ‘Heavy Horse’ at the side of the M8.

He designed them for Falkirk’s  Helix project, which agreed to lend the equine sculptures to the students to promote their book.

The ambitious project, a combination of beautiful parkland and visitor attractions, will see two enormous, thirty-metre high versions of the Kelpies constructed as part of a new entrance to the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Ronnie Simpson, The Helix Trust’s Head of Business Development, said: “The Kelpies are a huge hit wherever they go and we were more than happy to be able to help the students out with the launch of their latest book.
“Work is now underway on The Helix project, which will not only transform the landscape around Falkirk and Grangemouth but create a superb international visitor attraction that everyone in Scotland can be proud of.”