Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Activists on the top of The Kelpies This Is Rigged/PA
Scotland

Climate activists arrested after climbing 30-metre tall statues in Scotland

Police confirmed the two had been arrested, and park officials announced the sculptures are back open to the public.

TWO CLIMATE ACTIVISTS who scaled a well-known Scottish landmark in protest at the oil industry have been arrested.

Two members of pressure group This Is Rigged scaled The Kelpies, 30-metre high statues situated between Grangemouth and Falkirk, forcing the closure of the park today.

The pair pinned a banner near the top of the head of one the horse sculptures, which read “no new oil” and “fair transition now”.

The protesters who scaled the 100ft steel giant were brought down by police and arrested.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6am on Sunday 23 July 2023, officers received a report of two protesters climbing The Kelpies structure in the Helix Park, Falkirk.

“Officers attended and a 23-year-old man and 22-year-old woman were safely removed.

“They have both been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries remain ongoing.”

The Helix Park later announced on Twitter that the park had reopened to the public.

A spokesperson said: “The Helix Park has now fully reopened for visitors following an earlier Police Scotland operation.

“We’re sorry for the disruption and look forward to seeing you soon.”

One of the climbers previously said: “In Scottish folklore, kelpies are water spirits which lure people to a watery grave.

“As the Scottish Government continues to allow oil and gas licences to go ahead in Scotland, they’re leading us to the same fate.

“The land on which the Kelpies were built will be submerged underwater by 2050. Isn’t this a bit ironic?”

Author
Press Association
Your Voice
Readers Comments
22
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel