Multrees Walk scraps its photography ban after incident

ONE of the Capital's most exclusive shopping streets has scrapped a ban an people taking pictures following a flashmob protest by photographers.

Around two dozen disgruntled snappers descended on Multrees Walk last week after Stefan Karpa was escorted off the privately-owned street by four security guards for taking shots of a window display at Firetrap clothing.

YouTube videos of the incident provoked anger from many other photographers.

In a statement, they said: "Following an incident recently when visitors to Multrees Walk were approached by contract security staff and prevented from taking photos we have been asked to review our policy and have done so.

"We would like to confirm that photography is not banned at Multrees Walk and that people doing this will not be stopped unless they are conducting a professional photo-shoot or filming, in which case they will still need permission from Centre Management in advance.

"Members of the public taking photos for their own use should be allowed to continue and we will be instructing our security staff accordingly.

"The safety and security of our visitors and occupiers is of paramount importance to us and we work closely with Lothian and Borders Police as the threat of crime and terrorism is ever present, nevertheless we recognise that what happened in this case was not appropriate.

"We want to apologise to the individuals who were involved last week."