Scotland's newest cultural landmark has been officially unveiled with a pyrotechnic light show.

The Kelpies, artist Andy Scott's 300-tonne, 98ft (30m) high horse head sculptures, have been launched at Helix Park, Falkirk, with a display by renowned pyrotechnic company Groupe F.

Groupe F, which illuminated Paris's Eiffel Tower at the Millennium, unveiled the sculpture with light, flame and a pulsating sound performance.

The Kelpies were launched at the start of the John Muir Festival, held in honour of the Scots-born environmentalist.

A new national pathway, the John Muir Way, will be opened in his honour by First Minister Alex Salmond in his hometown of Dunbar on Monday, where ramblers, runners and cyclists will be invited to carry Muir-themed flags along the first section of the coast to coast pathway.

The event, supported by East Lothian Council, includes celebratory art, music, performance and food stalls, is open and free to all.

Over the following four days communities en route can participate directly in the festival by carrying bespoke flags along the new pathway.

The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world and the centrepiece of the £43 million Helix land project between Falkirk and Grangemouth, will be open to the public from Monday.