On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.
For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.
Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.
Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.
The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".
What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?
The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.
Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.
Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.
A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.
Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.
A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.
In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".
It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.
An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.
But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.
"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.
"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."
Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.
She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.
She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.
"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."
A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.
They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.
"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."
The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.
She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.
"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."
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