Up to 12,000 school pupils throughout the country are having their perceptions on knives challenged in the coming months by a touring performance.

And the travelling play visited Ardrossan last week with Justice Secretary Michael Matheson attending on the day.

The Balisong (another name for a butterfly knife) is a No Knives Better Lives initiative, written by Jennifer Adam, developed in collaboration with young people. In the play, three teenagers discuss the circumstances leading to an incident where their friend stabs someone and whether they could have done more to stop it.

Michael Matheson MSP said: “While I was struck by the effectiveness of drama in conveying this important message, I was equally struck by the conversations that took place among pupils immediately afterwards.

“Some young people previously indicated they would not tell anyone if someone they knew was in possession of a knife. What I witnessed, and what I’m told is taking place in other schools, is the instant behaviour change The Balisong delivers.”

Head of Ardrossan Academy, Jamie Milligan said: “We are delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our school today. The No Knives Better Lives programme is one that we support as a school and this drama performance helps to reinforce our key messages to young people and families about responsible citizenship, violence reduction and promoting positive relationships in school and in society at large.”