Mum of Perth man who lost his life in knife attack praises city sculpture made from confiscated blades

Perth Mum Lauds Knife Angel Sculpture Made from Confiscated Blades

A stunning 23ft-high Knife Angel sculpture made from confiscated blades has been unveiled outside Perth Museum, making it the first Scottish city to showcase this powerful artwork. The mother of a young man, Cammy Rae, who tragically lost his life in a knife attack in Perth in April 2023, has praised the sculpture for highlighting the dangers of knife crime.

Cammy’s killer, Caleb Ferguson, who was sentenced to life detention for the murder, was just 18 at the time of the tragic incident. The Knife Angel sculpture, constructed from 100,000 seized weapons, has previously been displayed in towns across England and Wales before making its debut in Perth.

Kerry Burgess, Cammy’s mother, expressed her admiration for the sculpture, condemning the use of knives and urging young individuals to surrender their weapons. She described her son as a joyful soul who would never resort to violence, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the detrimental effects of knife crime.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing emphasised that knife crime impacts all communities in Scotland and stressed the need for collective action to combat such violence. The Knife Angel’s presence in Perth serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of knife-related incidents, prompting reflection and calls for cultural change to prevent further tragedies.

Throughout December, schools in Perth and Kinross will engage with the sculpture to explore themes of violence and knife crime, fostering discussions on how to create safer environments for all. The Knife Angel will be illuminated at night, inviting the public to participate in a photographic competition capturing the essence of the sculpture in Perth.

Provost Xander McDade commended the sculpture’s significance in raising awareness and fostering dialogue on the impacts of knife crime, expressing pride in welcoming the artwork to Perth. A Book of Condolences will be available for visitors to sign, honouring the memories of victims affected by knife-related incidents.

In conclusion, the arrival of the Knife Angel sculpture in Perth serves as a beacon of hope for a future free from the scourge of knife violence. By engaging communities in dialogue and reflection, this powerful artwork encourages individuals to work together towards a safer, more compassionate society, where tragedies like Cammy Rae’s untimely death can be prevented.

Insights and Summary:
The story of the Knife Angel sculpture in Perth is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of knife crime on individuals and communities. The heartfelt response from Cammy Rae’s mother underscores the human toll of such violence and the importance of raising awareness to prevent further tragedies. The sculpture’s symbolic presence in Perth signifies a call to action for societal change and unity in addressing the root causes of knife-related incidents. Through art and dialogue, the community is encouraged to reflect on the consequences of violence and work towards a safer, more compassionate future for all.