Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.
For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.
Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.
Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.
Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".
What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?
The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.
Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.
Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.
Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.
People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.
A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.
In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".
It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.
An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.
But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.
"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.
"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."
A heritage director, director of preservation association 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 lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.
She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.
"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."
A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.
They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.
"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."
The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.
She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.
"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."
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