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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Youth violence branded 'public health emergency' as Scots campaigners urge authorities to cut knife deaths
East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch and Community Impact Project have stepped up their fight for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic. Anti-knife crime campaigners have challenged authorities to act now to save young lives branding youth violence a "public health emergency". East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch and Community Impact Project have petitioned South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to urgently address the rise in knife crime and youth violence in East Kilbride following the tragic death of local 16-year-old Kayden Moy at Irvine Beach. More than 1900 people have signed the petition and an anti-knife crime march in Glasgow last month in memory of Kayden Moy and Scots knife crime victims Kory McCrimmon and Amen Teklay stepped up their fight for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic. But chairman KJ Yates told Lanarkshire Live the group are becoming "increasingly frustrating" and "disappointed" that Police Scotland and First Minister John Swinney have yet to respond to their calls for action. "It is becoming increasingly frustrating - and frankly disappointing - that key stakeholders have yet to respond to our petition", he said. 'We have consistently called knife crime and youth violence a Public Health Emergency - and today, we reaffirm that call. This crisis is destroying lives, traumatising families, and putting a generation at risk. " We welcome the cross-party support of Joani Reid MP and Collette Stevenson MSP, but now urge South Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland, local councillors, charities and community groups to step up." Figures gathered by the pressure group show that in South Lanarkshire violent crime has risen by 21 per cent in recent years with youth-related violence and knife possession increasingly Glasgow, knife crime rose by 13 per cent between 2022 and 2024 and almost one third of all stop searches for weapons now involve Scotland last year 91 children were caught carrying knives - some as young as 10 - and there was a 600 per cent rise in serious youth assaults with Police Scotland seizing 248 knives from schools. Joani Reid, Scottish Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, described social media as a "breeding ground for youth violence" and said she would make knife crime a focus of her campaigning and constituency work over the summer. She called on ministers to "get tough" with social media companies who allow teens to pose with dangerous weapons while highlighting the tragic death of Kayden Moy at Home Office questions earlier this month. Mr Yates added: "We also call on the First Minister to consider using Scotland's existing public health emergency powers and direct his ministers to coordinate a national, trauma-informed response. "This is for Kayden Moy, Kory McCrimmon, and Amen Teklay - it's also about every young person across Scotland presently at risk who deserves to grow up safe, seen, and supported. It's time to step up, take action and save lives." Kayden Moy was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire on May 17, and later died at Crosshouse Hospital. He was laid to rest just five days after what would have been his 17th birthday. Three teenagers have been arrested following Kayden's death. Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old have appeared in court charged with murder. Mr Yates continued: "Kayden Moy, a promising 16-year-old from East Kilbride -his life full of talent, dreams and potential - was cut short. His family was devastated. "Kayden wasn't just a name in the news, he was part of our community. Sadly, Kayden is not the only one." Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson said tackling the harmful effects of violent crime remains a priority for police in Scotland. "Violence in any form and the possession of weapons in our communities has no place in Scotland and is entirely unacceptable", said Ch Supt Watson. "We understand concerns in relation to the tragic death of Kayden Moy, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends. We know that this has had a devastating impact, not only on his loved ones, but also the wider community in East Kilbride and beyond. "Our local officers, school campus officers and dedicated preventions officers continue to respond to the concerns raised by the community in respect of knife crime. This includes providing educational workshops to high school and late primary school pupils, highlighting the dangers of carrying a weapon and the devastating impact it can have on those involved." She added: "We continue to deliver our 'No Knives, Better Lives' workshops, and are engaging with youth groups in the East Kilbride area to encourage our young people to make better choices. "We are carrying out work with key partners in the YMCA and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and have recently launched a survey aimed at youths in the area to gather their views on knife crime and what measures can be implemented in response, as part of a collaborative approach. "Tackling the harmful effects of violent crime remains a priority for our officers and we are determined to keep our communities safe." South Lanarkshire Council have offered their support to the campaign. A spokesperson said: 'This has been a tragic event and our profound sympathies go out to Kayden's loved ones. 'We would be willing to engage with East Kilbride Community Association & Neighbourhood Watch and other partners about the potential for council involvement in any efforts to tackle knife crime.' The Scottish Government said it is investing over £500,000 in violence prevention programmes for 2025/26, including £345,000 for Medics Against Violence's Hospital Navigator programme and £156,000 for Mentors in Violence Prevention to ensure early intervention and prevention. They added that this is in addition to "record" police investment of £1.64 billion this year - up almost £90 million - and follows £48 million awarded to victims' organisations since 2022, including £18 million to Victim Support Scotland. A spokesman said: 'We send our heartfelt condolences to Kayden Moy's family and every family who has suffered unimaginable loss due to knife crime. 'The Scottish Government has been clear that no one should ever carry a weapon and we are taking action with increased funding for the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit as part of a broader package to tackle violence." Sign the petition here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Daily Record
Tears and a call to action for tragic East Kilbride teen Kayden Moy as hundreds bid a final farewell
There were tears from friends, family and football teammates as the East Kilbride teen's 11-year-old brother bravely carried his coffin into Linn Crematorium. Kayden Moy was laid to rest on Friday with hundreds turning out to say a final goodbye to the popular teen who was taken so soon, and so tragically. The youngster, aged 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire on May 17, and he later died at Crosshouse Hospital. There were tears from friends, family and football teammates as the East Kilbride teenager's 11-year-old brother bravely carried his coffin into Linn Crematorium as a lone bagpiper led the funeral procession. The service was held just five days after what would have been Kayden's 17th birthday. In a heartbreaking post his dad Paul shared a poignant message on Facebook which read: "First you were my son, then you were my best friend, now you are my angel." In a fitting tribute to his fun-loving personality, Kayden's favourite song Pump Up The Jam was played as mourners entered the crematorium. Following the service, the congregation moved on to Philipshill Cemetery in East Kilbride. Remembering Kayden as "kind, funny and full of life", his former football team Busby AFC paid tribute, saying: "Today, we said our final goodbyes to Kayden Moy. "The turnout was truly incredible, a powerful reminder of just how many lives he touched. "So many came to show their love, share memories, and stand together in honour of someone who meant so much to so many. "Kayden, you were one of a kind. Kind, funny, full of life, and taken far too soon. We'll never forget you, and we'll carry your memory with us always. "Rest peacefully, Kayden." Praising Kayden's parents Paul Moy and Ashley Drummond for their strength on the day, one mourner said: "Ashley and Paul you gave your beautiful, precious boy the most amazing send-off today, you done him proud, as did every single one of his family and friends. "It was utterly heartbreaking to see and hear how broken all your hearts are. To see a mum, dad, two young brothers, family, friends and so many young heartbroken faces, was one of the most difficult things I've ever experienced. "Kayden was just a boy, loving and living his best life. Now, instead, Kayden is safely wrapped in the wings of the angels watching over you all. It is not goodbye precious boy, it's 'I'll see you again'. Forever loved and missed but never forgotten." East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch & Community Impact Project have petitioned South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to urgently address the rise in knife crime and youth violence in East Kilbride. More than 1500 people have signed the petition and an anti-knife crime march in Glasgow on Sunday stepped up their fight for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic. Calling for action in Kayden's name, EKCA chair KJ Yates said: "No words can truly capture the pain of losing someone so young, so full of potential, and so deeply cherished by his community. "Kayden's passing has shaken our town to its core. The outpouring of grief, love and solidarity from across East Kilbride and beyond is a powerful reflection of just how many lives he touched. From heartfelt tributes to silent vigils, the community has come together in sorrow, remembrance and unity. "Let this moment be more than mourning. Let it serve as a call to action - a commitment that Kayden's name will not be forgotten, and that his memory will be a driving force behind real and lasting change. At EK Neighbourhood Watch & The Community Impact Project, we remain steadfast in our mission to confront the knife crime crisis and build a safer future for every young person in our town. "May Kayden rest in peace - never forgotten, always remembered." Three teenagers have been arrested following Kayden's death. Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old have appeared in court charged with murder. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Edinburgh Live
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William lets slip to Edinburgh locals Louis' support for five teams
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info During an unexpected solo trip to Scotland, Prince William revealed that young Prince Louis already cheers for five football teams - and he entertained the idea of Scottish national footballer John McGinn joining him on a future visit. While in Leith on Wednesday to launch a collaboration with a Scottish football charity, the Prince of Wales took part in a training session led by Street Soccer Scotland. This initiative will receive backing from his Royal Foundation, which is set to support various programmes at the charity's facility close to Edinburgh through its Community Impact Project. Additionally, this financial aid from the foundation will contribute to the creation of Leith United – a partnership between the Leith Community Centre and YMCA Edinburgh. Prince William engaged with ten year old YMCA attendee Shaniah Gilgun and was briefed on her and other children's efforts to enhance housing conditions locally. However, sport became the topic of conversation following William's sighting of an Aston Villa poster. The Aston Villa-adoring prince, who often watches matches with his firstborn Prince George, mused to Shaniah: "Maybe I should bring John McGinn... might have to wait till he retires - we'll put it in the pipeline," reports the Scottish Daily Express. With laughter, he continued: "He promised me he would come up and show me around." Furthermore, when querying youngsters about their favourite football squads during his visit to the community centre, William divulged that his youngest child Louis is a fan of "five different teams now". Shaniah later reflected on the praise she received from William regarding her campaign to improve housing. Shaniah revealed that the partnership was confirmed when Prince William mentioned John McGinn, saying, "He said it was a really good thing and that we should keep doing it and only good will come out of it," and she agreed, "When he mentioned John McGinn, I said, 'That's a deal'." This week wasn't just about Royal engagements for Prince William; King Charles also had a chance encounter with David Beckham at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday, May 19. The pair exchanged pleasantries and even teased a potential joint project. During their visit to the exhibition, Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by the former Manchester United star and gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh at the Highgrove Shop display, where sales contribute to The King's Foundation. Beckham, who has been an ambassador for the foundation for a year, was delighted to see the royals. Street Soccer Scotland, established by David Duke in Leith in 2009, has since expanded to offer free football-themed training and personal development programmes across Scotland. The charity aims to tackle issues such as poor mental health, addiction, homelessness, and social isolation. With the help of a Royal Foundation grant, Street Soccer Scotland plans to refurbish Leith Community Centre, bolster sports initiatives, extend community outreach efforts, and hire an impact manager for three years to oversee grassroots leaders and foster local partnerships.
Edinburgh Live
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William nods to ex-Hibs star during Edinburgh visit to back homeless charity
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Prince of Wales has kicked off a partnership with a Scottish football charity and hinted that an Aston Villa favourite could join him for the next visit. William joined a practice session run by Street Soccer Scotland, being backed by his Royal Foundation, which will fund a range of initiatives at the charity's branch in Leith. The financial support from the foundation's Community Impact Project will also help the charity create Leith United - a collaboration with Leith Community Centre and YMCA Edinburgh. The prince met YMCA user Shaniah Gilgun, aged 10, and learnt about her efforts with other youngsters to improve housing conditions in the area, but the conversation turned to football when he spotted a poster of Aston Villa. Villa fan William mentioned the club's captain, who also leads the Scottish national side, telling Shaniah: "Maybe I should bring John have to wait till he retires - we'll put it in the pipeline." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. He added: "He promised me he would come up and show me around." After asking a group of children about their football teams during his visit to the community centre, he said of son Prince Louis: "My youngest supports five different teams now." (Image: Chris Jackson/pool/AFP/Getty) Shaniah later mentioned William's praise for her housing campaign: "He said it was a really good thing and that we should keep doing it and only good will come out of it. "When he mentioned John McGinn, I said, 'That's a deal'." Street Soccer Scotland was founded by David Duke in Leith in 2009 before he opened centres across Scotland to deliver free football-themed training and personal development programmes to support people experiencing issues like poor mental health, addiction, homelessness and isolation. (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire) The charity will use the Royal Foundation grant to renovate Leith Community Centre, enhance sports-based initiatives at the site, enable outreach work in the community and fund an impact manager over three years to co-ordinate grassroots leaders and local partnerships. During the visit William saw a range of groups who use the centre, from flamenco and kung fu classes to a group of amateur paintings who impressed the prince. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Mr Duke, who is an official supporter of William's Homewards homeless initiative, said after the visit: "So obviously to have the support of the Royal Foundation is fantastic. "Their vision is to try and create community impact and they're looking at places and spaces where they can create that." He added: "It's about the long-term support from the wider Royal Foundation team, they can help us create almost a blueprint for change and they've already started working with us on a kind of theory of change, in terms of how we can use this space and the partnerships to make a difference."
Powys County Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
William shows off football skills in partnership with Street Soccer Scotland
The Prince of Wales has kicked off a partnership with a Scottish football charity and hinted that an Aston Villa favourite could join him for the next visit. William joined a practice session run by Street Soccer Scotland, being backed by his Royal Foundation, which will fund a range of initiatives at the charity's branch in Leith, near Edinburgh. The financial support from the foundation's Community Impact Project will also help the charity create Leith United – a collaboration with Leith Community Centre and YMCA Edinburgh. The prince met YMCA user Shaniah Gilgun, aged 10, and learnt about her efforts with other youngsters to improve housing conditions in the area, but the conversation turned to football when he spotted a poster of Aston Villa. Villa fan William mentioned the club's captain, who also leads the Scottish national side, telling Shaniah: 'Maybe I should bring John McGinn… might have to wait till he retires – we'll put it in the pipeline.' He added: 'He promised me he would come up and show me around.' After asking a group of children about their football teams during his visit to the community centre, he said of son Prince Louis: 'My youngest supports five different teams now.' Shaniah later mentioned William's praise for her housing campaign: 'He said it was a really good thing and that we should keep doing it and only good will come out of it. 'When he mentioned John McGinn, I said, 'That's a deal'.' Street Soccer Scotland was founded by David Duke in Leith in 2009 before he opened centres across Scotland to deliver free football-themed training and personal development programmes to support people experiencing issues like poor mental health, addiction, homelessness and isolation. The charity will use the Royal Foundation grant to renovate Leith Community Centre, enhance sports-based initiatives at the site, enable outreach work in the community and fund an impact manager over three years to co-ordinate grassroots leaders and local partnerships. During the visit William saw a range of groups who use the centre, from flamenco and kung fu classes to a group of amateur paintings who impressed the prince. Mr Duke, who is an official supporter of William's Homewards homeless initiative, said after the visit: 'So obviously to have the support of the Royal Foundation is fantastic. 'Their vision is to try and create community impact and they're looking at places and spaces where they can create that.' He added: 'It's about the long-term support from the wider Royal Foundation team, they can help us create almost a blueprint for change and they've already started working with us on a kind of theory of change, in terms of how we can use this space and the partnerships to make a difference.'
