A 27ft (8.2m) high statue of an angel made from thousands of surrendered knives has gone on display in Edinburgh.
Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, the Knife Angel is made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the country.
It is intended as a reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while acting as a spur for social change.
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
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 are intended to reflect the devastating consequences of violence while highlighting the importance of prevention, rehabilitation and community action.
The sculpture was unveiled on Tuesday at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, in a ceremony attended by council leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives.
It will remain in the capital until September 27.
Ms Meagher thanked everybody who made it possible for the sculpture to come to Edinburgh, and said 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,” she said.
“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.”
Events and workshops will take place across Edinburgh in September alongside the sculpture’s residency, 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, which explores the issue of knife crime among young people and its impact on communities.
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.
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said the force is “proud” to support the Knife Angel’s visit to the capital.
“Addressing the harmful effects of violence, including knife crime, remains a priority for Police Scotland,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “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 having the Knife Angel in Edinburgh provides an “important opportunity to have open conversations about violence, remember those affected and, most importantly, work together to prevent it.”
He went on: “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.”