Opening of Gucci's first store in Scotland disrupted by protestors

Animal rights activists have interrupted the opening of Gucci’s new store in Scotland, calling on the brand to end the use of animal skin in its products.

Located on Multrees Walk in Edinburgh, the premises is the luxury fashion house’s first standalone UK store outside of London.

Protestors from Peta disrupted the opening of Gucci Edinburgh, calling on the fashion giant to end the use of animal skins. | The Scotsman / National World

Gucci staff had just cut the ribbon in front of the store to welcome the public in, when protestors from People from the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) walked into the store holding signs which read: “Gucci: Ban Wild-Animal Skins”.

The demonstrators walked through Gucci holding the signs above their head and yelling, only for security to escort them outside.

They were then moved away from Multrees Walk, which is also home to prestigious stores such as Johnstons of Elgin, Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

Peta called on the Italian firm to stop using wild-animal skins from the likes of pythons and lizards and instead join brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs to offer consumers “sustainable animal-friendly products”.

The Peta protestors made it inside the new Edinburgh Gucci store. | The Scotsman / National World

Peta vice president Mimi Bekhechi, who is from Edinburgh, said: “Every wild animal-skin accessory, from wallets and bags to belts and watch straps, comes from a terrified animal who was beaten, tortured, and skinned – sometimes while still conscious.

“Peta is calling on Gucci to do right by animals by shedding reptile and other exotic skins.”

Gucci is owned by Kering, a French-based multinational specialising in luxury goods. In 2018, Gucci pledged to join the Fur Free Alliance and remove fur from its product lines.