School pupils in Perth and Kinross have been learning about the consequences of knife crime from prisoners and charities.
Perth became the first city in Scotland to host the Knife Angel at the end of 2024 and since then Perth and Kinross Council has been working with partner agencies including the Scottish Prison Service, charity Aid and Abet and Police Scotland to raise awareness of the issues around knife crime.
On Wednesday 11 June, Perth Grammar School became the latest venue to host a workshop following successful events in Bertha Park High School and St John's Academy in May.
As well as presentations from Perth and Kinross Council's Community Justice Team and Aid and Abet, staff and prisoners from HMP Perth and HMYOI Polmont have also participated by sharing videos and recordings for use in the sessions, detailing their own personal experiences of knife crime and its consequences.
Councillor Tom McEwan, convener of Perth and Kinross Council's Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, said: "Although there has been an overall reduction in knife crime over the past 15 years, recent tragedies have shown this is not a problem that has gone away.
"It is important that young people realise that there are very real consequences for using a knife, or other blade.
"The simple truth is that every injury, every death is one too many."
Perth and Kinross Learning and Families convener Councillor John Rebbeck said: "Knife crime can take lives and destroy families - both of the victim and the perpetrator who is likely to end up behind bars for several years.
"Hearing these stories first-hand leaves a powerful impression and I thank everyone who has worked hard to run these workshops. I'm sure our children and young people will take a great deal from these workshops."
Bailie Chris Ahern, chair of the Perth and Kinross community justice and safety partnership added: "These are really powerful events and show children and young people the damage knives can cause to victims and the people who use them.
"Young people are disproportionately affected by knife crime so it is important we all work together to reduce knife crime as much as we can."
Tom Martin, Head of Offender Outcomes at HMP Perth said: "We are committed to doing all we can to support people, reduce the risk of crime, and help build safer communities.
"We were delighted to work with partners in Perth and Kinross Council and Police Scotland on this important initiative, and particularly pleased that some those in our care had an opportunity to share their stories, so young people can learn from their experiences."
Police Scotland Sergeant Allan Neary, of Partnerships, Interventions and Preventions, said: "Recently, we supported in various engagements around knife crime awareness, along with our partners at Perth and Kinross Council, Scottish Prison Service and Aid and Abet.
"Working closely together ensures that we get the message across about the dangers of carrying knives and the impact this has. We know the effect that violent crime has on individuals, families, and local communities, and we remain commitment to keeping our communities safe."
The Knife Angel, also known as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression, was on display on King Edward Street throughout December.
Created by the British Ironwork Centre, the statue is made up of 100,000 seized weapons.
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