The male was spotted on Rose Street at around 4pm on Friday as shocked passers-by looked on.
19:01, 16 Jan 2026Updated 19:26, 16 Jan 2026
The youth was spotted with a machete on Rose Street (Image: Alan Simpson Photography)
A youth has been seen walking through Edinburgh city centre with a huge machete.
Passers-by were visibly shocked as the male was spotted on Rose Street at around 4pm on Friday.
In a picture, which was shared with the Record, he can be seen wearing black and grey clothing and Nike Air Max trainers.
In his right hand, he can be seen clutching a huge machete.
Those who were walking up Hanover Street could be seen watching on in shock as he walked past them with the large blade.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Two males aged 17 and 15 have been arrested after a report of people with bladed weapons seen in Edinburgh city centre.
“Officers, including specialist firearms officers, were called to Rose Street around 2.55pm on Friday, 16 January, 2026.”No one has been reported as injured and enquiries remain ongoing.”
Rose Street is a historic, narrow, cobbled lane in Edinburgh’s New Town.
It is famous for its dense concentration of pubs and independent shops, earning it the nickname “The Amber Mile”.