THEY have become one of the icons of Scotland.

And now their miniature maquettes are set for a return to the Borders.

The iconic Kelpies are the world’s largest equine sculptures, centrally located between Glasgow and Edinburgh near Falkirk.

Artist Andy Scott's hand-crafted miniature sculptures were used as models in the preparation of the main 30-metres high steel instalments.

The maquettes were first brought to Kelso in 2015 - and proved to be a mini tourist attraction in their own right.

And they are set to return for a long weekend later this month.

John Basset from Kelso Community Council is delighted they are returning. He told us: "I was surprised at how many people were there to see the Kelpies lifted into The Square in 2015, but to see just as many in The Square at 3am in the morning just goes to show how popular they are.

"There is a buzz going around the town - this is a massive coop for Kelso.”

The Kelpie maquettes will arrived in Kelso on Friday, May 12 and remain until the Monday evening, coinciding with the Floors Castle Horse Trials.

Dean Weatherston, of VisitKelso said: "VisitKelso is delighted to welcome back the Kelpie maquettes, after the very successful display in 2015.

“Both amateur and professional photographers were in their element getting shots throughout the day and night against the stunning backdrop of our Square and Town Hall.

“As always we offer the warmest of welcomes to all those coming to visit."

The Kelpies at Helix Park near Falkirk have had over two million visitors since they opened.

Live Borders are meeting the cost of transport and security for the three-metre high maquettes which are being loaned by Falkirk Council.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Live Borders, added: "We are thrilled to have been given this incredible opportunity to support Scottish Borders Council and the community in exhibiting the iconic Kelpie maquettes again.

"Locals and visitors alike can visit the Maquettes and be inspired by the beauty of the incredible metal sculptures created by Andy Scott."