Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.
For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.
Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.
The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.
The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".
What is happening with this seemingly endless project?
The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.
Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.
Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.
Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.
People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.
An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.
In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".
It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.
An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.
But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.
"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.
"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."
A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.
She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.
She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.
"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."
A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.
They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.
"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."
The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.
She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.
"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."
