Edinburgh: Men on plinths

Posted bywinifredcreamerPosted inEdinburghTags:

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Yes, there is a statue of Queen Victoria that dominates all of Princes Street from its perch on top of the Scottish National Academy. However, the rest of Edinburgh hosts an unusual number of life-size or larger statues of men. Some of the figures are more recognizable than others.

August 16, 2016

It turns out that men on plinths is not just an Edinburgh phenomenon.

8.6.16 Dumfries-001But surprise!, it’s Robert Burns (again).

In southern Scotland, animals are an alternative to men.

Kirkudbright has kelpies.
Moffat’s sheep

Kelpies are malevolant water spirits in Scottish mythology that are impossible to tame, but if caught, have the power of ten horses. This story was recast by artist Andy Scott as two monumental horse heads 30 ft high that now stand by a canal in Falkirk, Scotland. The figures have become so popular that a pair travel around Scotland, spending time in many communities. This summer a pair of kelpies is in Kirkudbright, near us.

Published by winifredcreamer

I am a retired archaeologist and I like to travel, especially to places where you can walk along the shore or watch birds. My husband Jonathan and I travel for more than half the year every year, seeing all the places that we haven't gotten to yet.

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