THE heavy horse immortalised in Andy Scott’s Kelpies sculpture has died.

Clydesdale horse Baron, who was 19, died after a swift illness at his home near Oban, where he had retired after living in Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park.

Described as a “handsome big guy” and a “gentleman”, Baron was one of two horses on which the 30-metre high steel structures were designed.

His current owner, Nicola McIntyre, said she had been devastated to have to make the decision to have Baron put down.

The horse had been struck by a sudden but severe bout of cholic last Tuesday, January 17, and could not be saved.

Nicola said: "I just fell in love with him when I first saw him.

"We just clicked. It's hard to explain unless you know horses but we just clicked.

"He had a good retirement and was ridden lots and he loved spending time with his best friend Rhum, another Clydesdale, who is lost without him.

"Having him put down was the worst day I have ever had in my life but he was surrounded by everyone who loved him and he didn't suffer any more than he had to."

Sculptor Andy paid tribute to Baron. He said: “I was very saddened to hear the news.

“He and Duke were the first visitors to the studio I still work from and it was a real honour to have them stand as models for my early studies of The Kelpies.

“Baron was always very patient.

“He was a huge powerful horse but stood with a calmness which really made me think he understood what was going on.

“I’d like to thank Lorraine and Donna from Glasgow City Council for introducing us and for being so kind with their time with Baron on various media calls.”

Baron was the model for the the ‘head-up’ Kelpie while Duke is the ‘head-down’ Kelpie at the Helix Park in Falkirk.

He had lived in Pollok Park with the team of heavy horses since he was around two-and-half years old.

Baron had gone to World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm in Aboyne as a two-year-old after the heavy horse charity caring for him closed down.

Staff there believed he would be a good work horse and six months later the bay, who stood at 18.1 hands, was rehomed by Glasgow City Council.

Baron compete in driving and showing classes at agricultural shows across the country, including the Royal Highland Show where he won the Overall Ridden Champion prize.

Two years ago Baron was retired and sold to Ian Jordan. Nicola met Baron through Ian and it was love at first sight so she took ownership of him.

Baron lived at Kilvaree Yard, near Oban, and was cared for by Nicola and Janice Hunter-Craig. 

Baron was such a favourite with Pollok Country Park staff that Lorraine Clark, the Head Carter, invited Baron to her wedding.

Lorraine said: “Baron was so trusting and great with members of the public.

"He was such a pleasure to work with – always kind and willing - a real gentle giant. He served Glasgow well and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”

In recent years he had begun to suffer from arthritis and was moved on to light duties with younger Clydesdale Chancer brought in to take over parts of his workload.

The one-and-a-half tonne working animal had a range of duties, including pulling Santa’s sleigh around Pollok Country Park.

A favourite with park goers and animal lovers, Baron was often in the pages of the Evening Times taking part in photo shoots.

He helped singer Michelle McManus be a queen for the day and posed with Princess Merida from Disney film Brave.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “We’re sad to confirm that Baron, the council’s much loved Clydesdale horse, has passed away. "Baron was a handsome and good natured animal who brought joy to generations of Glasgow children."