Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish welcomes an anti-knife crime initiative to the city:
“This week sees an unusual – but vitally important – visitor to Leith.
“Knife Angel has been installed at Kirkgate, a huge 27ft statue constructed with 100,000 knives and bladed weapons that have been confiscated by police forces from all over the UK. Raising the important topic of knife violence within young people, the statue was brought to the town with the help of Leith mum Lisa Petrie.
“Lisa lost her 22-year-old son John to knife violence last year and since has tirelessly campaigned to make young people aware of the dangers of carrying a knife. Through her grief she is bravely doing all she can to make young people aware of the dangers of knife crime.
“Knife Angel will be in Leith for one month and I hope it creates thought provoking conversations and encourages parents to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a blade and what the repercussions can be.
“The installation is part of a month-long anti-knife crime campaign aimed at children, young people and the wider community.
“The Council funded 500 high school pupils to attend Code at the Fringe, a gritty physical theatre piece centred on knife crime and country lines and the realities of getting involved with gangs. Using rap, parkour and BMX stunts, the show received rave reviews and pupils tell me it raised important discussions with peers and teachers.
“Theatre production company Strange Town have been funded, with support from Forth Ports, to take Balinsong to high schools across Edinburgh.
“The theatre performance centres on knife crime and how a split-second decision can have devastating impact on a young person’s life. Thousands of pupils will see the show which is hard-hitting and previous audiences have agreed the messaging lives on long after the curtain falls.
“For younger pupils, 92 pupils submitted artwork centred on the theme of safety with the art being turned into a mosaic that covers an entire Lothian Buses bus. Pupils were asked how young people can help make Edinburgh safer and I was blown away with some of the suggestions and the creativity of the young people.
“The bus was launched last week and I have already spied it travelling down Princes Street – it is certainly eye catching and was a good way to involve younger children in the anti-violence campaign in an age-appropriate way.
“Working with partner agencies, I was shocked to learn that carrying a knife makes you over 40 per cent more likely to be a victim of knife crime. While knife carrying and violence is decreasing in our society it is clear that we need to continue to do all we can to continue this downward trend.
“Every life lost to knife crime is a tragedy and I would urge young people, teachers and parents to use this initiative as a talking point and make sure they know the dangers of carrying a bladed weapon.”
A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.
You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.
If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ
MUM LISA MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SON JOHN’S MURDER
The Knife Angel arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and will be on display at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, until Sunday 27 September.
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.
The sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while acting as a catalyst for social change.
An opening ceremony marked the official launch, with Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives including Lisa Petrie in attendance.
Lisa’s son John was killed in a knife attack in Leith one year ago today. She said on social media: “A whole year since my son was murdered and I still don’t know how that can be true.
‘Some days it feels like it was only yesterday. I can still feel the shock, the disbelief, the moment my whole world changed forever.
‘And then there are days when it feels like you’ve been gone for far too long. Too long since I’ve heard your voice, seen your face, hugged you, called you my son, heard you shout “ mumzie or “mother!! “
‘I hate that a year has passed without you. I hate that the world has carried on when mine stopped the day you were taken from me.
‘You weren’t meant to leave. You weren’t meant to be a memory. You were meant to be here.
‘I miss you every single day. I’m angry. I’m broken. I’m still trying to understand how I’m supposed to live with the fact that someone chose to take your life.
On 25th September, I would like to invite anyone who has been affected by knife crime to come along to the Knife Angel (writes LISA PETRIE).
This will be an opportunity for us to come together, remember those we have lost, and show our support for those who have been injured or affected by knife crime.
If you have lost someone to knife crime, been injured yourself, or know someone whose life has been impacted, please feel welcome to join us.
I would also encourage you to bring a photograph of your loved one, yourself, or someone affected, if you feel comfortable doing so. We will also be lighting candles in remembrance and to honour those whose lives have been changed forever.
Everyone affected by knife crime is welcome.
Let’s come together as a community, remember those we have lost, support those who are still with us, and stand united against knife crime.
The Knife Angel will take centre stage at the Kirkgate at the bottom of Leith Walk in Edinburgh from September 1st to September 30th 2026.
Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Places for People Scotland and other partners will be working with schools, businesses and communities to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and the impact of violence.
Less than one in five people in Scotland (18%) are confident that young people in their local area would share information with the police if they knew someone was carrying a knife, according to new UK-wide research from YouGov commissioned by charity Crimestoppers.
The research also found people in Scotland are more than twice as confident young people locally would share that information with an anonymous service (43%).
The findings raise concerns that vital information about knife crime could be going unreported, despite the devastating impact serious violence has on victims, families and communities.
While the YouGov research found confidence in young people sharing information about knife crime with police is low across Scotland, the research suggests anonymity could make a significant difference.
More than 2 in 5 (43%) of people in Scotland said they were confident young people locally would share information with an anonymous service, highlighting the important role anonymous reporting can play in helping young people share information safely.
Fear of retaliation also remains a significant barrier. More than four in ten (44%) people in Scotland cite fear of retaliation if they report crime as a reason they might not report information about crime to the police, among a range of options.
The regional findings come as Crimestoppers launches a new campaign through its youth service, Fearless.org, after the research also revealed a significant reporting gap among young people.
UK-wide, just 31% of UK 16 to 25-year-olds say they would be very likely to report information about knife crime directly to the police, compared with 45% of adults*.
The findings challenge the perception that young people are unwilling to help tackle knife crime. Instead, they suggest fear, mistrust and uncertainty are preventing many from speaking up, even when they may have information that could help prevent serious violence – for example, 41% of 16-25s say fear of retaliation is a barrier that could stop them sharing information about knife crime with the police, while 28% say lack of trust in the police could stop them.
The campaign features the story of Charlie Cosser, who was tragically murdered in 2023 after being stabbed while trying to protect a friend.
Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, is now working with Fearless to encourage young people to understand that anonymously sharing information about knife crime could help prevent future tragedies and save lives.
Martin Cosser, Charlie’s father and co-founder of Charlie’s Promise, said:“No family should have to experience the heartbreak ours has endured. We know fear can stop people speaking up, but one piece of information can make all the difference. I hope this campaign helps young people understand they can share what they know anonymously and potentially save someone’s life.”
Fearless is Crimestoppers’ dedicated youth service, providing young people with trusted information about crime, personal safety and the law, alongside a safe and completely anonymous way to pass on information about crime.
Independent of the police, Fearless.org never ask for a name or any details that could identify the person making the report.
The research also found that only 32% of people in Scotland are aware that Crimestoppers reporting service is completely anonymous. Furthermore, only 34% realise they are independent from the police.
Through this campaign, the charity hopes more young people will understand there is a safe, anonymous way to share information that could help prevent knife crime and protect others.
Anyone with information about knife crime or other serious criminal activity can contact Fearless anonymously by visiting Fearless.org.
ALMOST FIFTY KNIFE INCIDENTS IN EDINBURGH SCHOOLS IN FIVE YEARS
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has today urged the SNP government to step up efforts to tackle youth knife crime as she revealed that there have been almost 50 such crimes in Edinburgh schools since 2021.
New figures uncovered by the party show that since 2021 there have been:
37 crimes of possession of an article with a blade or point in Edinburgh schools.
10 crimes of these articles being used in some other kind of criminal activity in Edinburgh schools.
Scottish Liberal Democrats previously revealed that the police have recorded almost 700 crimes of possessing an article with a blade or point in schools across Scotland over the last five years.
Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said:“Each one of these crimes will have been hugely distressing for the staff and pupils involved.
“These figures do not sit in isolation, and we need to understand the part played by events like the pandemic, which had a severe and longer-lasting impact on young people.
“That impact hasn’t been helped by the Scottish Government’s failure to recognise the importance of interventions like youth work.
“Youth work can stop this kind of violence from happening in the first place by offering young people valuable support and guidance, often from someone who is neither a parent nor a teacher.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight for a proper investment in youth work so that we can give young people the choices and the futures they deserve.”
More than 150 pupils from schools across Edinburgh came together yesterday (Thursday 11 June) for a violence prevention event, where they shared their views on safety, weapon carrying and what safer communities should look like.
Hosted by Fearless, the youth service of the charity Crimestoppers, in partnership with Police Scotland, the event took place at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.
It gave young people the chance to speak openly about the pressures they face, hear from expert partners, and help design messages and strategies they believe will resonate with their peers.
The event built on a previous Fearless and Police Scotland schools event on firework safety held in September 2025.
Feedback from the young people who took part helped shape the focus of this year’s programme, with pupils leading discussions on how to prevent violence and reduce weapon carrying.
Pupils will now take what they learned back into their schools and communities, helping to continue conversations about safety, choice and the impact of weapon carrying. Videos captured by young people during the day will also feature on Fearless Scotland’s social media channels, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people over the summer holidays.
Sessions on the day included:
* A session on the realities and impact of violence, followed by a creative workshop led by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and Police Scotland
* A social media workshop with Fearless, where young people created violence prevention messages and interviewed guests and peers
* Practical street first aid training with the Scottish Ambulance Service
* A session on the impact of antisocial behaviour with Lothian Buses
* Violence prevention input from Medics Against Violence, delivered in partnership with young people they work with
* Interactive sessions from Big Hearts Community Trust and Stellar Elevate exploring positive masculinity, online influence and knife crime
* A music workshop with Turn The Tables, giving young people the chance to create anti-violence music
Community Sport Hub and 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café were also there to signpost young people to support, activities and positive opportunities they can get involved in over the summer.
Lisa Petrie, mum of John McNab, was also attended the event to speak to young people about John, the huge hole his death has left and the work she is doing in his memory.
Emily, a pupil from Craigroyston Community High School, attending the event said:“Today has been great, going around the different stations, learning more and also being listened to by all the organisations here.
“For me, hearing from John’s mum was really important. It wasn’t just someone talking to us who doesn’t understand – she’s actually been through the worst and has that real insight.
“It makes you realise that it doesn’t just affect the victim – it affects everyone around them too, people just like our own families.
“As young people, we all have a responsibility to work together and make good choices for our communities.
“You’ve got a choice – use your voice.”
Hannah, a fellow pupil added:“Often adults tell us about the consequences of crimes like this, but don’t always tell us what support is there. I think that’s been the best part of this event – seeing that there are organisations and adults who are actually here to help.
“For example, Fearless is a really important support for young people, giving them a way to report information about crime anonymously.
“You can see that the staff at Fearless don’t expect us to be perfect – they’re there to help, not judge, and to make sure we don’t end up in a bad situation. That really matters.”
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager, said:“Violence prevention has to involve young people in a meaningful way. They understand what is happening in their schools, streets, group chats and communities better than anyone, and they often have the clearest ideas about what needs to change.
“Young people’s voices matter at every stage. If we want to prevent violence and respond to harm, we have to ask them what they think and genuinely listen to what they tell us. That is what today was all about.
“What matters now is that these conversations do not end when young people leave the room. The pupils who took part will go back to their schools and communities and help spread messages about safety and the impact of weapon carrying.
“We also want every young person to know that if they are worried about someone carrying a weapon or involved in violence, they can speak up to our charity 100% anonymously. No one will know who they are, but the information they share could help keep someone safe.
“We are incredibly grateful to Police Scotland and all of the partners who came together to make this event possible. Days like this show what can happen when young people are placed at the heart of prevention.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said:“Violence has a serious impact on individuals, families and communities, particularly our young people.
“Last year, Police Scotland launched Operation Stardrop to coordinate diversionary activity with partners, including Fearless, to address the root causes of violence and help safeguard children and young people from becoming involved in violent crime, either as victims or perpetrators.
“A key part of that work is creating opportunities like today’s event, where young people can share their views and help shape the way we respond.
“It is important to remember that most children and young people are not involved in violence, but we also know that carrying weapons can have devastating consequences. That is why meaningful partnership working and early engagement with young people are so important to keeping communities safe.”
City of Edinburgh, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“There is no place for anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh, and that is why initiatives like the youth summit are so important.
“Following the success of last year’s event, I’m glad to see partners once again coming together with young people to have open and constructive conversations about community safety, the risks associated with weapon carrying, and what more can be done to create better neighbourhoods.
“The willingness of young people to engage with these important conversations is evident, and their voices are central to shaping solutions and helping us build a safer Edinburgh for everyone.”
‘Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect’
Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities in England thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.
New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.
The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.
The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue.
It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.
“I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm.
“I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.”
Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.
As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.
Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.
“Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.
“As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.
“We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.”
The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.
This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.
“However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.”
The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.
Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said: “The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.
“While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.
“Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.
“Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.”
Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.
Pooja Kanda, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, and member of the UK government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024.
“We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.”
Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations.
The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.
A 17-year-old male youth has been convicted of the murder of John McNab that happened in Leith in September, 2025, and a further serious assault in Portobello in March, 2025.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Wednesday, 6 May, 2026). He will be sentenced at a later date.
John McNab, aged, 22 was found injured on Great Junction Street at the corner of Bonnington Road in the Leith area around 2.10am on Tuesday, 2 September, 2025. He died at the scene.
A 17-year-old male youth was stabbed around 8.45pm on Friday, 21 March, 2025 at The Promenade in the Portobello area. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A 17-year-old male youth has been convicted of the murder of John McNab that happened in Edinburgh in September, 2025, and a serious assault in the city in March, 2025.
— Police Scotland Edinburgh (@PSOSEdinburgh) May 6, 2026
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John McNab at what is a very difficult time for them. And also with the victim seriously injured in the separate incident.
“An extreme level of violence was used in these incidents. This kind of behaviour is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. This conviction sends a message to anyone carrying knives that they will be apprehended and dealt with robustly.
“I would like to personally thank the officers who worked on these harrowing investigations and the public who significantly assisted my investigation team.”
Superintendent Neil Wilson said that proactive work is being carried out across Edinburgh to educate young people and tackle knife crime and violence.
“I can’t stress enough the devastating impact weapon carrying and use has on our communities and our thoughts go out to all who have been affected by this type of crime.
“Officers regularly carry out patrols in areas where knife crime is reported and we urge the public to support us and get in touch with any information or concerns that they have.
“While bringing offenders to justice is vital in keeping communities safe, education to prevent offending happening in the first place is key, along with promoting positive life choices.
“We have a number of new initiatives on violence prevention in Edinburgh involving partners and young people and details will be unveiled in the coming months. These will focus on raising awareness of the dangers of carrying weapons and the impact of violence.
“Edinburgh is a safe place to live, work and visit but we will not be complacent. We know that violence remains a concern in our communities and we’re determined to do everything we can to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
Since her son’s murder Lisa Petrie has tirelessly campaigned to address knife crime and has embarked on a mission to increase access to blood kits across the city:
My name is Lisa Petrie. On 2nd September 2025 my son, John McNab, was fatally stabbed on a street in Leith, Edinburgh. He was 22.
We were best pals, we were inseparable at times, and now it feels like I’ve lost my right arm and my left leg.
No family should ever get that phone call.
I’m determined that John’s death will not be in vain, and one simple change could help stop other families going through this.
Right now in the UK you often need ID and staff checks to buy alcohol, razors or even energy drinks. But in many supermarkets, kitchen knives sit openly on shelves, easy to steal or buy with minimal challenge.
We’re calling on major supermarkets and retailers – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and others – to:
Put all kitchen knives in locked cabinets or behind customer service counters
Fit security tags to knife packaging so alarms trigger if someone walks out with them
Only allow knives to be brought to the till by staff, with strict over-18 ID checks
We’re also asking the UK Government and Scottish Government to work with retailers and Trading Standards so secure storage and display of knives becomes the norm, building on existing laws that already restrict knife sales to under-18s.
This won’t end knife crime on its own and it won’t stop online sales. But letting lethal weapons sit unsecured on supermarket shelves is an obvious weak point we can fix now – just as we already do for alcohol and razors. It’s a basic safety measure, not a ban.
Please add your name. I will deliver this petition, and John’s story, to the CEOs of the major supermarkets, the Scottish Government and the Home Office.
The more signatures we have, the harder it is for them to ignore us.I don’t want any other family to live with the pain we do.
Leith-based charity Strange Town returns this October with their acclaimed play ‘HER’ a bold and urgent performance about consent, gender inequality, and the pressures young people face today.
Established in 2008 by Steve Small and Ruth Hollyman, Strange Town has spent 17 years creating life-changing arts experiences for young people across Edinburgh.
Long before the groundbreaking series Adolescence hit screens, Strange Town was already producing daring, original theatre in schools, giving pupils their first-ever experience of live performance while opening conversations about difficult topics such as knife crime, mental health, and social pressures.
HER, written by Jennifer Adam and directed by Steve Small, follows HIM and HER, childhood friends who have grown apart by the age of 17.
Loosely reconnecting at high school, they confront the challenges of teenage life, gender inequality, and the truth about consent. Through bold, honest storytelling, the play asks: how can you be the change you want to see in the world when it feels like the world is working against you?
‘This is such an important play — all parents, grandparents, and really anyone who wants to understand the challenges young people face today needs to see it, urgently. Our young people are navigating a world that many older people are completely unaware of and unprepared for.
‘Watching this performance helped me start conversations at home that I wouldn’t have known how to begin, and I am incredibly grateful for that.” — Audience Member
Open to audiences aged 14+, HER runs for two nights: Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October at 7pm at the Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED
Strange Town has been hit by the well publicised funding cuts imposed by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB), leaving the future of its Touring Company — which brings bold, original theatre into schools across the city — under threat.
The charity depends on fundraising to sustain accessible arts opportunities for young people who might otherwise miss out.
Local people and businesses who want to help protect this vital work are encouraged to donate online or get in touch to explore other ways of support.
and I still don’t know how that can be true.
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