A MAN has criticised the organisers behind Edinburgh’s Christmas market, accusing them of treating “people like cattle” after being "forcibly removed" when trying to enter.
Derek Kerr said the negative experience has left him “utterly disgusted” with how he was treated and has claimed that staff at the festive event were “heavy-handed”.
The Edinburgh Christmas market's organisers have expressed their disappointment in Kerr's “feedback” and said they can understand his “frustration” but have called for respect for their staff.
Kerr had visited the popular Christmas market in the heart of the Scottish capital on December 23, with a friend and their family members who had travelled from Australia for the holidays.
He explained that he and the group had first entered the market at East Princes Street Gardens, at the bottom of Cockburn Street, and had enjoyed a stroll around all the stalls and attractions.
Kerr said that the group then decided to “take a look at what else is going on” between the end of the gardens and the National Galleries of Scotland.
He said he had left via an exit but only walked around 40 meters before realising they had missed a section and tried to head back in.
Kerr said that he attempted to enter at a point that was clearly labelled as an entrance as well as an exit, which is also shown on the event's official map, but he was “pushed” by security as he attempted to walk back into the market.
“That member of staff said, ‘I am very sorry but, this is an exit only’,” he said.
Kerr then said that after stating he was being “denied his right to roam”, the security guard instructed him to go back to the exit where he left.
“To avoid any embarrassment, I walked the 40m back to the exit thinking that the other staff might be more reasonable and tried to get back in,” he said.
“I explained what had happened to the member of staff at the gate and he asked me who else was in my party.
“I pointed out my friend and his nephew and walked forward, thinking we were going to be let in.”
Kerr then claimed that he was then again “pushed” back by security for a second time.
He then claims that after telling the guard member not to “push” him, three other staff members came to block him from entering, explaining to him that the market is a licensed premise and that he was trespassing.
Kerr went on to say that after further “discussions” with the staff about his rights to walk freely through the gardens, his demand to speak to a supervisor was also “refused”.
He claims staff at the exit gate told him he had to enter at the entrance between the Royal Scottish Academy and the East Gardens, where he had first entered the event.
He claims he was then “lifted off the ground” and “dumped” on Princes Street.
“Christmas evening entertainment ruined and embarrassed in front of foreign visitors,” Kerr said.
The organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas market, Unique Assembly, explained that during busy periods, a one-way system is put in place to help control the flow of crowds and for people’s safety.
They added they are “disappointed” to hear of Kerr’s experience and are looking into the incident.
A spokesperson said: “During peak periods and weekends, East Princes Street Gardens is extremely busy, and as has been in place over many years, an entry-gate system is implemented to ensure the safety of visitors through a controlled one-way flow.
“We know that this process can be frustrating to some, but we ask that visitors are respectful to all staff who are working at the events.
“We are disappointed to hear of this customer’s feedback and are in direct contact with them as we look into this further.”
