The project will open the way for the construction of a striking giant horses heads lock.

The canal system was first brought back to the world’s attention with the construction of Falkirk Wheel lift, which ranks as one of the great UK engineering projects of the last decade.

The next phase, known as the Helix Project, will see a new culvert built to take the canal under the M9 motorway into a specially-constructed turning pool where the new lift will be positioned.

The change will see the 100-foot horses heads sculptures, known as kelpies, face towards the south east.

This new Kelpie lock will link directly into the existing Carron mooring basin. One of the Kelpies will move to displace the water required to operate the canal lock.

The works comprise the design and construction of a new sea lock including all associated M&E, lock gates and river works from the River Carron to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde canal.

This includes waiting areas, new lift bridge over the new canal extension at Glensburgh Road, Falkirk and a new 65m underbridge to the M9.

The Edinburgh office of Gleeds is acting as agent on the job and PQQs must be returned by 17 September. Email: william.dunn@gleeds.co.uk