Hundreds of Saturday shoppers were left outside in the rain for 'nearly an hour' after the St James Quarter in Edinburgh was evacuated this afternoon, due to an alleged drill.
The alarm went off at ten to one, and the public weren't allowed back in till just before 2pm, leaving them in the treacherous conditions for about an hour.
The picture show hundreds of customers standing outside the shopping centre whilst safety checks were carried out.
Brian Wilkie, who was taking his kids on a day out to go bowling, arrived at the newly opened Lane7 bowling alley located on the fourth floor.
However, the family missed their slot after the fire alarm sounded, and the whole complex was evacuated.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Live he said: "The fire alarm went off and everyone including the staff were evacuated outside due to a false alarm.
"I think as after 40 minutes to an hour we got back in only to be told sorry our bowling time was over.
My kids were cold and gutted but we were refunded by Lane7 and gifted a few amusement games as a sweet gift.
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"It was raining, windy and freezing cold.
"As we had parked in the downstairs on-site car parking and weren't expecting to leave the building we were not dressed for the unexpected event.
"The bowling was fully booked and we lost our time slot."
A spokesperson for St James Quarter, said: "The safety of our visitors and staff is our number one priority.
"Following a false fire alarm, St James Quarter was temporarily evacuated. We are now open as normal."
