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Chamber and committees

Kelpies 10 and The Helix Shortlisted for VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards

  • Submitted by: Michael Matheson, Falkirk West, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Friday, 11 July 2025
  • Motion reference: S6M-18290

That the Parliament celebrates the nominations for The Helix park and the Kelpies 10 event for the 2025 VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards, which are due to take place in September; recognises that The Helix has been shortlisted in the Best Visitor Attraction category, while Kelpies 10 has been nominated in the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival category; believes that theses nominations highlight The Helix Park and Kelpies’ significant contribution to local tourism and culture; understands that The Helix park opened in 2013, connects 17 local communities via its extensive path network, and recently played host to outdoor concerts, while the Kelpies 10 event celebrated a decade since the world-renowned sculptures were unveiled and attracted 14,000 visitors on each day of the event, culminating in a spectacular concert featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Falkirk Schools Pipe Bands and Callum Beattie, among others; recognises what it sees as the importance of both the Kelpies and The Helix park to the health and wellbeing of the communities that they serve, while increasing economic prosperity as one of Scotland’s most visited tourist attractions; commends Falkirk Council, Scottish Canals and everyone who has worked to secure these nominations for the VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards, and wishes everyone involved the very best of luck for the awards ceremony in September.