Two 100ft steel horse sculptures, which have become a major attraction in the central belt, have reared their heads in New York.

The Kelpies, Celtic creatures of myth that stand in Helix Parkland next to the M9 in Falkirk, have now spawned a spin-off in the shape of two 15ft replicas in Manhattan.

Sculptor Andy Scott unveiled the 1:10 scale models of his pieces yesterday under cover of darkness, after he spent five hours installing them in Bryant Park ahead of Scotland Week, which begins next month in the city. The pieces will be on display until April 22.

He said: "They will help put Scotland, and the Helix project, firmly on the map, not only for resident New Yorkers, but for the many thousands of international visitors to the city."