Fortitude actor Tam Dean Burn ‘stabbed’ after poetry event

Fortitude actor Tam Dean Burn is recovering after he was reportedly stabbed in a daylight street attack after attending a poetry event in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The 60-year-old Scottish actor is thought to have been speaking at an event at the Scottish Poetry Library in honour of the poet Tom Leonard.

According to reports, Mr Burn was assaulted near the Royal Mile in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon after the reading, and was then treated in hospital for his injuries.

Emergency services attended the scene of the alleged stabbing and kept guests inside the library for an hour, it is believed.

Mr Burn is now thought to be recovering at home.

Police said a 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident

A number of people, including well-known figures in the arts world, have wished Mr Burn well on social media.

Author Ian Rankin tweeted: “Wishing @tamdeanburn a speedy and full recovery.”

Irvine Welsh wrote: “Take care bud x.”

Mr Burn thanked people in a tweet and added: “All ok xx.”

Asif Khan, director of the Scottish Poetry Library, has praised the “courage and composure” of staff and volunteers at the venue.

He said: “The incident occurred outside the library after our tribute event for Tom Leonard.

“Tam was treated for his injuries in the library. I should like to thank the emergency services for their professionalism and
compassion.”

Mr Burn, who had prominent roles in Outlander, Taggart, and River City, is also a political activist.

He stood in the 1992 general election in the Glasgow Central Seat for the Communist Party of Britain. He won 106 votes in what was then a safe Labour seat.

A police spokesman said: “About 4pm on Saturday March 2, officers in Edinburgh responded to a report of a 60-year-old man having been assaulted in Crichton’s Close, Edinburgh.

“A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident.”

(c) Sky News 2019: Fortitude actor Tam Dean Burn ‘stabbed’ after poetry event