Aaron Strachan

A 20-year-old man, Aaron Strachan, has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 25 May 2025, in the York Place area of the city centre.

Strachan appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 4 December 2025, where he pleaded guilty to the rape charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. In addition to the sexual offence, Strachan also admitted to an assault to severe injury in the South Bridge area on the same date, 25 May 2025, and another assault to severe injury and endangerment of life in the High Riggs area on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.

Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, described the attack as 'particularly harrowing' and noted its profound effect on the young victim. She highlighted Strachan's violent nature, stating: 'The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.' Wells commended local officers for their swift identification and arrest of Strachan, emphasising Police Scotland's commitment to tackling sexual crimes.

The case was handled by Police Scotland, with the conviction reported on their official website. Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, acknowledged the serious impact of such crimes on the community and reaffirmed ongoing efforts to address concerns through partnerships.