A seminar on knife crime and tackling violence took place in Perth today (Monday 9 December).
The event in Perth Concert Hall was organised to coincide with Perth becoming the first place in Scotland to host the Knife Angel, an imposing 27-foot tall statues made of seized knives and other bladed weapons.
Also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, the Knife Angel was created by the British Ironworks Centre and has been touring England and Wales since 2018.
The statue is on display on King Edward Street, outside Perth Museum, until January.
Speakers at Monday's event included Kris MacPherson and Kevin Neary from the charity Aid and Abet, a charity which supports those who have been involved in the criminal justice system in order to prevent re-offending.
Other speakers included Sheriff Kathrine Mackie and Donald Tumilowicz from Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers.
Councillor Tom McEwan, convener of Perth and Kinross Council's Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee said: "There has been a hugely positive response to the Knife Angel and its aims since it arrived in Perth.
"Today's seminar is a chance for people to explore more fully some of the issues surrounding knife crime and what measures we can take to stop people carrying and using blades.
"The Knife Angel is an extremely powerful piece of art but it is important we continue to work with people in all of our communities to address knife crime.
"Sadly, this is an issue that affects communities right across the UK. The more work that can be done to raise awareness of the costs of knife crime - both to victims and their families and the perpetrators of violence - the better."
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