The Scottish Government has been accused of “dragging its feet” over the Bailey Gwynne report.
Child protection expert Andrew Lowe called on the Scottish Government to take action in a number of key areas after the Cults Academy schoolboy was stabbed to death by a fellow pupil last year.
In his review, Mr Lowe asked ministers to consider tightening up the laws around online weapons sales and giving teachers the power to search pupils suspected of carrying knives.
But despite mounting pressure, the government has not yet responded to the recommendations.
Now Education Secretary John Swinney has revealed the government is consulting with different bodies before coming to a decision – despite Mr Lowe’s report being published in October.
A number of recommendations for Aberdeen City Council, including anti-weapons classes for pupils, have already been acted upon.
Last night North East MSP Ross Thomson accused the government of not acting with enough urgency.
A spokesman for the government insisted they are “determined” to tackle knife crime.
But Mr Thomson said: “The Scottish Government is dragging its feet on this important issue when swift action was required to restore public confidence in the safety of our schools.
“Andrew Lowe’s review was clear that this type of incident could happen at any school in the country.
“The local recommendations for Aberdeen City Council have been acted upon quickly, but the Scottish Government has yet to make its position clear.”
Mr Thomson had previously called on Justice Secretary Michael Matheson to make an emergency statement to parliament following the publication of Mr Lowe’s recommendations.
The Tory MSP added: “It has now been two months since the findings of the review were published – I think parents, pupils and staff would expect more urgency.
“Ministers should be taking decisive action to make sure that everything is being done to prevent any possible repeat of such a horrific incident in one of our schools.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “This government is determined to tackle knife crime. We continue to work with schools and local authorities on anti-violence campaigns and curriculum programmes to reduce levels even further.
“In March this year, penalties for carrying knives increased, including in relation to schools.
“We are carefully considering the specific recommendations made to the Scottish Government and have been engaging closely with valued stakeholders as part of this process, including Police Scotland’s National Violence Reduction Unit and the Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools, whose members include the Association of Directors of Education and all the teaching unions.”
