Tuesday September 1st 2026
To mark the official launch, an opening ceremony took place today (Tuesday 1 September), with the Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives in attendance.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A 27-foot sculpture made from thousands of surrendered knives has arrived in Edinburgh as part of a month-long campaign to raise awareness of violence and knife crime.
The Knife Angel will be on display at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, until Sunday, September 27.
Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, the sculpture is made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the UK.
It aims to highlight the devastating impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while encouraging conversations around prevention and rehabilitation.
Messages of love and remembrance from families who have lost loved ones to knife crime are engraved on the sculpture’s wings, alongside messages of regret from former offenders.
The Knife Angel was officially unveiled in Edinburgh today (Tuesday, September 1), with Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and community representatives attending the opening ceremony.
The Edinburgh visit is a partnership between City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland and Places for People Scotland, with a programme of events and workshops taking place across the city throughout September.
School pupils will also have the opportunity to see Balisong, a production exploring knife crime among young people and its impact on communities. The show will tour secondary schools across Edinburgh during the month.
An online book of remembrance has also been launched, allowing people to leave messages in memory of those who have lost their lives to knife crime.
Community bleed and trauma kits are also being made available across Edinburgh as part of the wider response to violent crime. Supported through fundraising by Lisa Petrie and the council, the kits are intended to help communities respond to serious injuries and potentially save lives.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said the sculpture was a “powerful reminder” of the lives and families affected by violence.
She said: “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.”
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.
“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.”
Places for People Scotland Director Kelly Brown said:
“The Knife Angel is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities. Bringing it to Edinburgh gives us an important opportunity to have open conversations about violence, remember those affected and, most importantly, work together to prevent it.
“As an organisation rooted in communities across Scotland, we’re proud to support this partnership and play our part in bringing people together to create safer neighbourhoods. Tackling violence requires everyone to work together, and we hope the Knife Angel’s visit will encourage people to get involved, start conversations and help make a lasting difference.”
Find out more about the Knife Angel and the programme of events on the Council website.
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