The Scottish Government has stated that "we must make sure that we're doing all we can" to prevent young people from carrying knives following a series of teenage stabbings. Justice Secretary Neil Gray indicated he would "consider" knife amnesties in the wake of two separate trials over the past week, which resulted in teenagers being found guilty of murdering their victims with knives.
Knife Amnesties Under Consideration
Knife amnesties provide a safe and anonymous way for individuals to dispose of bladed weapons or offensive items without facing prosecution for possession. Speaking on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, Mr Gray said: "Of course, we would consider the likes of knife amnesties if that is something that the likes of the police and other partners feel would be helpful."
He continued: "The sale of knives to under-18s is already illegal, and there are very strong laws in place to ensure that the sale of knives does not happen. With under-18s, I think the question around culture is one that I absolutely agree with, and we must make sure that we're doing all we can to prevent young people picking up a knife in the first place, involving themselves in gangs, and ensure that there is diversionary activity. That's where our investments are absolutely targeted."
Recent Cases Highlight the Issue
Two teenagers were found guilty of murdering 16-year-old Kayden Moy on a beach in North Ayrshire in May 2025. Jay Stewart, 18, and a 15-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons acted together with 18-year-old Cole Turley to kill Moy after a clash between rival gangs.
In a separate case, another teenager who murdered a man with a hunting knife while on bail for a previous slashing was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. The 17-year-old chased and killed John McNab, 22, in an unprovoked attack on Great Junction Street in Leith in September last year.
Government Commitment to Victims
Mr Gray said: "These two cases are shocking and incredibly traumatic. My heart goes out to the families of Kayden and John for the significant trauma that they must be experiencing, and we will put the needs of victims and the safety of wider society central to the work that we continue to do over the course of this five-year parliament."
