But before a new public arts project is unveiled in Falkirk, it is to be tested out on an American audience at an exhibition in Chicago.

Internationally recognised artist Andy Scott was commissioned to produce The Kelpies as part of the £41 million Helix land transformation development.

Now two, 13ft high models of the finished 100ft sculptures are to be shown at this year's major Chicago Sculpture International Outdoor Exhibition.

Mr Scott's maquettes are being shipped to America this week after he secured an invitation to be involved in an event widely regarded as one of the world's foremost public art gatherings.

Helix Trust programme director Mike King said: "What we are talking about here is an extremely rare and exciting opportunity to showcase The Kelpies to the world in a high-profile art exhibition in a city which has built an enviable reputation for public art by artists including Kapoor, Calder and Picasso.

"The fact that Andy will be the only non-American artist exhibiting at the event is significant enough in itself, but add to that the huge opportunity to highlight the Helix project story to the highly influential American audience and you can see why we are thrilled to be involved."

Mr Scott said: "Chicago's fantastic reputation for public art excellence has been hard-earned, which means this event is really up there in terms of recognition by the artistic community and wider creative world.

"The heavy horse – the inspiration for The Kelpies – played a hugely influential role in the progress of modern society.

"I see The Kelpies as a symbol of modern Scotland – proud and majestic and that is the message I hope we can get across during our time in Chicago."

The Chicago Sculpture International Outdoor Exhibition will run from September to September 2013.