John McNab was hailed as “one in a million” and “the loveliest boy ever” after news of his death broke on social media.
10:39, 03 Sep 2025Updated 10:48, 03 Sep 2025
John McNab.(Image: Facebook.)
A young man who died in an alleged stabbing in Edinburgh has been named locally as John McNab.
Police were called to an incident in the capital’s Great Junction Street, near to Bonnington Road, at around 2am on Tuesday. The 22-year-old was found injured and later died at the scene.
Police Scotland have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the death.
Devastated loved ones said John was the “life and soul of his family” in moving tributes posted on social media.
His cousin Khloe Nicholson wrote: The news none of us have ever expected, don’t even have words right now. Heartbroken doesn’t even compare to what we as a family are feeling.
John McNab.(Image: Facebook.)
“My darling baby cousin. A life taken far too soon. You were the life and soul of our family and you brought the biggest smile to each and everyone of our faces without fail, I will forever treasure the memories we have especially of our dancing and the most horrendous singing.
“The most precious angel in the sky. God only takes the best and that’s exactly what you were! Our darling boy wee John. Forever 22. Fly so high up there with grandad. I love you forever and a day baby cuz.”
Another cousin, Tamara Nicholson, added: “The most devastating news no one ever wanted to hear. We lost the most beautiful soul this morning I have no words to describe how I feel right now, everyone’s world has been turned upside down.
“You were the most kindest and most loving person ever. I hope your having a beer up there with grandad. I’ll love and miss you forever big cuz.”
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Friends hailed the young man as “one in a million” and “the loveliest boy ever”.
One simply wrote: “I am so devastated.”
Another posted: “Thinking of all the mcnab family at this awful time. Rest easy John. Love to you all.” Another said, “My heart is shattered”, while a third posted, “Devastated brother until we meet again in the next life. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy”.
A fourth said he “was one in a million”, while a fifth wrote: “”Love you lots, can’t believe it, the loveliest boy ever!”
Forensic officers next to a tent within the cordon.(Image: Reach PLC.)
Residents told how they heard a man and woman shouting in the street before police arrived.
One neighbour said: “I heard a lot of yelling between a man and a woman in the early hours around 2am.
“I then heard several police cars arrive at the scene. The area is all closed off this morning with investigators and forensics.
“The police have said they don’t know how long the road will be closed for. They said they will be going door to door to take statements.”
Forensic officers were seen combing the street yesterday. A blur tent has also been erected in the middle of the police cordon.
Several police officers remain stationed at the road, with two squad cars parked on either side of the cordon.
Police and forensic officers attend an incident on Great Junction Street, Leith, Edinburgh today (2 September 2025)(Image: Reach PLC.)
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance of the Major Investigations Team said: “Our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.“Officers remain in the area carrying out enquiries as our investigation continues, and we would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed paramedics had also attended the incident. They said: “We can confirm we received a call today at 02:09 hours to attend an incident on Great Junction Street in Edinburgh.”