Families of knife crime victims will take part in a poignant procession through the streets of Perth today (Friday) to mark the departure of the imposing Knife Angel statue from the city.
The 27ft high figure, made from seized blades, has been on display outside Perth Museum since the end of November to highlight the danger of carrying knives.
It is the first time that the statue – which is returning to Shropshire’s British Ironworks Centre – has been displayed in Scotland.
Perth residents are invited to join a torchlight procession from Perth and Kinross Council headquarters in High St at 4.15pm to mark the Knife Angel leaving the Fair City.
Joining councillors and officers on the procession will be the families of Perth knife crime victims Cameron Rae and Barry Dixon, killed in separate stabbings.
Cameron (20) died after being knifed in a South Methven Street flat on April 8, 2023, and 22-year-old Barry at a Wallace Court flat on June 4, 2019.
A piper will lead the procession to the King Edward Street statue where the Book of Reflection will be presented to Clive Knowles from the British Ironwork Centre where the Knife Angel was made.
Perth and Kinross Council leader councillor Grant Laing said: “The Knife Angel is a powerful reminder of the harm knife crime and violence causes to communities across Scotland and across the UK.
“It has been an honour for Perth to be the first place in Scotland to host the statue and it has been fantastic to witness the impact it has had first-hand.
“From the moment it arrived in Perth, we have seen how so many people have stopped to admire the statue, read about its purpose and take time to sign the Book of Reflections.
“I am sure people will remember the Knife Angel for many years to come.”
In November last year Caleb Ferguson was given a life sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh for murdering 20-year-old Cameron, who was known as Cammy.
Ferguson, 18 at the time of the killing, was ordered to serve at least 16 years before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
He had stabbed his victim three times to his torso, with one wound causing fatal internal damage.
In April 2021, 23-year-old Robbie Smullen was sentenced to nine years and three months’ imprisonment for killing Barry Dixon .
A jury at the High Court in Edinburgh had deliberated a murder charge before returning a verdict of culpable homicide following an eight-day trial.
Smullen had claimed the fatal injury was inflicted when Barry pulled a knife on him and they both “tripped and fell” during a struggle over the weapon, but the jury rejected a defence of self-defence.
His mother Mary Smullen, on trial alongside him, was accused of pretending to police that Barry was stabbed by her son’s “on/off” partner. She later pled guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice and ordered to carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work.
During the Knife Angel’s stay in Perth, police, professionals, teaching staff and schoolchildren heard speakers with experience of both offending and being victims of knife crime speak of its impact.
Councillor Laing added: “I hope as many people as possible join us on Friday to mark the Knife Angel’s departure and remember all those whose lives have been impacted by knife crime.”
The Book of Reflections can be signed online at www.pkc.gov.uk/knifeangel