Those looking to visit Edinburgh's Christmas Market for its grand opening at 2pm on Friday November 25 were left rather confused after being sent away by security staff who said the area was "not yet ready."
Scores of excited people had gathered along Princes Street to be the first ones through the gates of the event but were turned away by staff who were trying to usher people from the entrance.
According to one visitor at the gates, a security guard had told them that the opening had been delayed as "things were not ready yet."
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In images shared with Edinburgh Live, people can be seen looking a touch lost as they wait to get in while a security guard gestures for people to move back as they were not yet ready to open.
An attendee at the market, who wishes to remain anonymous, had travelled from the west of Scotland to visit the event.
“I came all the way from Ayrshire for the opening of the Market", he said. "I arrived at the gates at about 2.30pm expecting to get into the Christmas Market however we were not allowed to enter from the gates by the art gallery. I went and spoke to a security guard and he said it was delayed as things were not ready yet.
“He said it would be opening at 3pm rather than 2pm but they opened it at 2.40pm - so it was just a 40-minute wait for those queueing. There was a bit of confusion and the security guards seemed under a bit of pressure too.”
Thankfully people were not left waiting too long and were able to get into the area to guzzle down some mulled wine and devour some Bratwursts whilst also getting a chance to explore their favourite festive rides.
An organiser behind the event said that the Market was now "up and running and extremely busy" and that they had over "1,000 people through the gates in the first ten minutes of opening."
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