The world’s largest pair of equine sculptures are being given their first health check as they approach their third birthday.

The Kelpies, located between Falkirk and Grangemouth, have been inspected by a unique high-wire team.

Rope Access Technicians Andrew Pennycuick (bottom), Paul Smith (centre) and John Benson carry out the first health check on the Kelpies in Falkirk as they approach their third birthday)
(Andrew Milligan/PA)

The Andy Scott-designed sculptures are now undergoing a full internal and external inspection as part of an eight-week project.

Tours inside the 30-metre steel horses, which tower over the Forth & Clyde Canal, will continue throughout the high-flying health check.

Rope Access Technicians Andrew Pennycuick (bottom), Paul Smith (centre) and John Benson carry out the first health check on the Kelpies in Falkirk as they approach their third birthday
(Andrew Milligan/PA)

Richard Millar, director of infrastructure at Scottish Canals, said: “As the Kelpies approach their third birthday, the maintenance work as part of this important health check will ensure that these global waterway icons are here, delivering for Scotland over the next century and beyond, continuing to capture the imaginations of people all over the planet and helping to put Falkirk and Grangemouth on tourists’ must-see lists the world over.”