On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.
For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.
Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.
The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.
A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".
What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?
The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.
Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.
Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.
A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.
Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.
An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.
In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".
It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.
An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.
But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.
"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.
"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."
Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.
She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.
She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.
"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."
A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.
They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.
"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."
Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.
She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration 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 repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."
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