Knife comments very worrying
ANY local paper has to listen when a councillor controversially says more people could be tempted to carry knives in Inverness.
And, moreover, claims they are doing so to defend themselves.
We highlight Donnie Kerr’s comments today which come on the back of a court case where 20-year-old Stephen Stewart admitted carrying out two knife attacks within minutes of each other in South Kessock.
Councillor Kerr is right to be alarmed at the number of knife incidents in recent years but is it quite as bad as it sounds?
Merkinch Community Council chairman Garry Wells believes knife incidents are few and far between and police say they are not seeing a "significant" upward trend.
Of course the word to stress there is "significant" which means there is an upward trend, in the absence of figures from the police.
A Scottish Government report on knife crime published this month says five years ago in 36 per cent of murders in Scotland the method of killing was a sharp implement.
And, although there has been a recorded drop in homicide figures in the last year knives continue to play a "depressingly significant" part. Last year 35 people were killed by sharp instruments — 44 per cent of the total number of deaths.
Not surprisingly the west of Scotland remains the national killing hotspot but counter to public perception violent knife crime is not often in the street but at home.
But we cannot become complacent and if there is evidence knife carrying is becoming routine in Inverness then police must use their powers to prevent another tragedy.
The latest Edinburgh University study suggests that 30 per cent of youngsters in its city admit to having carried a knife in public.
We don’t want that trend to filter in to Inverness.
Swings and roundabouts
T’S difficult to know what can be done to enhance the city’s Old Town and make the area better for its businesses.
The £6 million revamp has definitely made it more attractive and there are still a number of independent stores making a living with the help of tourism and regulars.
The Eastgate Centre though is gaining more shops, while the traditional heart of Inverness is almost dying on its feet.
And, to add to the stores’ woes out-of-town retail is gaining a stronger foothold.
To watch another "To Let" sign go up in Union Street is heartbreaking indeed and what store will be attracted to the High Street spot left by Top Shop?
Lower business rates and increased bank lending could help and the idea of an arts and crafts centre in the Old Town sounds good.
As for the hostels and problems with addicts, it’s a bit of chicken and egg.
The more thriving the area becomes, the more eyes on the street, the less likely anti-social behaviour will take root.
Highland Council, the Scottish Government and the business community will find the going tough over the next few years as money becomes tight and more jobs are lost.
The Old Town could be a sparkling little gem if more businesses could be attracted.
At the moment it’s a tad lacklustre and the empty stores are proving a real turn off.
