A new sculpture symbolising the devastating impact of violence and knife crime has gone on display in Edinburgh.
‘Knife Angel’ is a 27-foot contemporary sculpture created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre.
Made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the country, it stands as a powerful reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while acting as a catalyst for social change.
The wings of the sculpture feature messages of love and remembrance engraved by families who have lost loved ones to knife crime, alongside messages of regret from former offenders. Together, these messages reflect the devastating consequences of violence while highlighting the importance of prevention, rehabilitation and community action, ‘Knife Angel’ will be on display at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, until Sunday 27th September.
To mark the official launch, an opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, 1st September, with Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives.
The visit was made possible through a partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland and Places for People Scotland.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “My thanks go to everyone who has made it possible for the Knife Angel to come to Edinburgh. It serves as a powerful reminder of the lives and families affected by violence.
“We want the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh to be about remembering those affected by knife crime, supporting everyone at risk, bringing communities together and taking action to prevent anti-social behaviour and violence.
“We all have a role in making our communities safer. Effective prevention relies on strong partnerships, support for parents and families as well as meaningful engagement with local communities.
“I’d encourage people across Edinburgh to visit the sculpture, take part in the events and workshops happening throughout September, and join the conversation about how we can work together to tackle violence and its devastating consequences.”
During September, partners will run a programme of events and workshops across Edinburgh to promote peace, encourage conversations about violence and raise awareness of the impact of knife crime.
As part of the programme, children from schools across Edinburgh will have the opportunity to see Balisong, a production exploring the important issue of knife crime among young people and its impact on communities. The production will tour secondary schools throughout September.
A book of remembrance will also be available online, giving people the opportunity to leave a message in memory of those who have lost their lives to knife crime.
As part of the wider response to violent crime, community bleed and trauma kits are also being made available in Edinburgh. The kits are being supported through fundraising by Lisa Petrie and the Council and are intended to help communities respond to serious injuries and potentially save the lives of victims of knife and violent crime.
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said addressing the harmful effects of violence, including knife crime, remains a priority for Police Scotland.
“Our national violence prevention strategy focuses on using intelligence to pursue repeat offenders, preventing violence through identifying early intervention opportunities with partner organisations, and protecting individuals and communities from harm”, he said.
“In Edinburgh, and across Scotland, work takes place every day, driven by police officers who know their local communities best and in collaboration with partner organisations, to safeguard communities from the devastating impacts of violence and weapon carrying.
“Police Scotland Edinburgh Division is proud to support the knife angel visit to the city. During the Knife Angel residency, our school engagement officers will be delivering preventative inputs to local schools, and our partnerships and local policing teams will support community events, workshops, and education and arts programmes being delivered by partners.
“We will also be patrolling the transport network, providing local retailers with advice around the sale of knives, and engaging with and supporting individuals and families who been impacted by violence in our communities.”