Sculptor Andy Scott at Scenic Rim Clydesdale

"The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular this year is special for me as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the inauguration

of the monumental Kelpies sculptures in Scotland. I can't wait to share the story of those equine giants with everyone. 

My kilt is packed and I'm ready to go!" ANDY SCOTT

Have you heard of The Kelpies in Falkirk, Scotland, the two huge iconic Clydesdale heads that are the largest equine sculptures in the world and a man-made wonder? Modelled on real-life icons of times gone by " Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron - they are the incredible work of Andy Scott, the Scottish figurative sculptor who is in high demand globally. This June, Andy is coming to Australia, to Boonah in the Scenic Rim!

Andy is also the creator of Clydebuilt,  the landmark metal Clydesdale statue that sits proudly in the centre of the township of Boonah. He built the huge Clydesdale from metal in 2003, in the workshop of the famous Old Butter Factory in Boonah, spending a few weeks in the region. 

The Boonah area has a long history and connection with the Clydesdale and celebrates with the annual Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, the richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere, where the grand champions of the breed are judged and celebrated, a breed that is listed as 'vulnerable' internationally.

This year Andy Scott will attend the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular as a guest of honour, with the general public invited to join him at An Evening With Andy Scott on Wednesday June 12, and across the weekend of June 15 and 16.

This year also marks the 10 year anniversary of The Kelpies with Andy recently returning to Falkirk to mark the occasion, where he was joined by a herd of his beloved Clydesdales (photos here).

"We could not be more thrilled to welcome Andy Scott, the artist who made Clydesdales so very famous with his work, The Kelpies, as our guest of honour this year, what a coup!" said Organising Sub-Committee Chair, Rick Stanfield.

"Our region owes much to the majestic Clydesdales which played a key role in establishing the Scenic Rim's incredible agricultural base by clearing vast tracts of land, ploughing the paddocks and bringing in the harvest," "While the advent of machinery saw a decline in the breed in the 1960s, the efforts of fan, breeders and this event committee to preserve and celebrate the 130-year history of these gentle giants here has resulted in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular becoming one of Queensland's most significant events."

Andy Scott said he was delighted to be returning, saying "I'm so looking forward to returning to Boonah and the beautiful Scenic Rim after so many years. The town has a special place in my memory as it was the launch point for several artworks and exhibitions I had in Australia."

"I created the Clydebuilt sculpture in the town 20 years ago and it feels like yesterday!"

"It was one of my first heavy horse sculptures and the precedent for several artworks based on the Clydesdale breed. I'm really looking forward to immersing myself in equine culture for the duration of the event and enjoying the famous country Queensland hospitality."

"The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular this June is special for me as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the inauguration of the monumental Kelpies sculptures in Scotland. I can't wait to share the story of those equine giants with everyone. My kilt is packed and I ready to go!"

From tiny Shetland ponies to the towering Shire horses, all Clydesdales great and small will be celebrated in the Scenic Rim over the weekend of June 15 and 16. Now in its 12^th year, a full schedule of Clydesdale competition will take place as well as rare trades showcased including harness making, blacksmithing, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations & driving displays, whip plaiting and more.

Additional highlights include the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances, artisan coopering & bush poetry and in another international moment, a Lumberjack competition and demonstration with tree climbing, log rolling and axe throwing will feature. 

In tribute to the Scottish descendants who moved to the region and brought with them their beloved Clydesdale, the event includes a stirring massing of Pipes and Drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan class and traditional Scottish caber tossing. There'll be haggis burgers a whisky bar and Scots are encouraged to attend in their clan kilts!

The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will be staged in the middle of the region's famous EAT LOCAL MONTH, creating just another reason to visit, stay and experience (see the program and book tickets at eatlocalmonth.com.au)!

Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2024

Saturday 15^th & Sunday 16^th June 2024

Boonah Showgrounds at 8 Melbourne Street, Boonah

8am until late both days

More information, accommodation and ticketing detail: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au

The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is a sub-committee of the Boonah Show Society Inc. and is supported by the Scenic Rim Regional Council.