Irn-Bru submits plan to 'transform The Kelpies into unicorns'

Irn-Bru has suggested that Falkirk Council mount giant horns on The Kelpies to turn them 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 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.

Falkirk Coucil has been approached for comment.