Climbing the Kelpies for SSAFA!

11 June 2026

At 30 metres tall, Falkirk’s iconic Kelpies are usually well out of human reach. But next weekend (20 June) the world’s largest equine sculptures will host more than 20 climbers determined to scale the monumental horse heads for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. 

SSAFA’s Kelpies Aerial Experience will see more than two dozen participants, the youngest aged just 10, climb to the top of the giant horse-head sculptures via a network of cables, ladders, and suspended platforms – before abseiling back down to ground level. 

Among them will be John McGuigan, 41, and his daughter Sophie, 10, who are taking on the epic mid-air challenge in tribute to the SSAFA support John received as a young ex-soldier struggling with debt. 

John had always planned to join the Army. His dad and uncles had all served, so when he joined up aged 17 – having been an Army cadet from age 12 – it felt right. 

Next came an eight-year career with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards before John took the decision to join civvy street. 

With nearly a decade as a soldier under his belt, John had high hopes for his civilian career. But with difficulty finding secure work and managing bills, John soon found himself spending more than he had earned and his debt began to spiral. 

“I didn’t even know what council tax was when I left the Army,” John said. “We were all weekend millionaires, and by the end of the week we were skint. The trouble was I carried that mentality across.” 

Facing eviction due to unpaid rent and with his money worries beginning to impact his mental health, John realised he needed help and turned to SSAFA. 

“For me it was an embarrassing situation – I believed that to ask for help was a sign of weakness – but SSAFA really held my hand,” he said. “All I needed was a fresh start. 

“Without SSAFA’s help I would have dug a bigger hole for myself. It was like quicksand; SSAFA helped me get out of it and there was no going back.” 

David Black, Scotland Fundraising Development Manager for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “The Kelpies Aerial Experience is a larger than life, fun-filled family day out that’s not only a monumental adventure for those taking part, but also raises vital funds to support Scotland’s Armed Forces community in their time of need. 

“At SSAFA we’re proud to have been helping serving personnel, veterans, and their families for more than 140 years, and our supporters play an integral part in making sure we can continue to do so – because no one should ever have to battle alone.”