Kelpie climbers' actions branded 'reckless' and 'plain stupid'

Dylan Fraser (22) and Brandon Nobre (21) appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday after pleading guilty to the breach of the peace they committed at the landmark on September 26.

Sarah Smith, procurator fiscal depute said: “It was 6.40pm and police were directed to attend at the Helix Park following reports of two people scaling the Kelpies. A request was also made to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to attend and seven fire and rescue vehicles were dispatched to the location.

“The two accused were seen climbing down from the Kelpies. Both accused were very apologetic and co-operative with police officers and showed an understanding of the implications their behaviour could have had, not only to them but to members of the public.”

Footage captured on their GoPro had been uploaded onto social media and gained a lot of media attention.

Avid climbers Fraser and Nobre, who were representing themselves, had both written letters of apology to the court which had been read by Sheriff Derek Livingston, who stated both young men realised they had “messed up”.

“It was, literally speaking, reckless,” added Sheriff Livingston. “It was plain stupid.”

The court head Fraser, 2 Wishart Lane, Carluke, worked in Domino’s, while Nobre, 258 Montford Avenue, Glasgow, was unemployed after damaging his vertebra in a climbing accident.

Sheriff Livingston noted Nobre’s injury had not put him off climbing.

Both men were fined £210 each to be paid back at a rate of £10 per week.