Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.
For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.
Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.
The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.
Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".
What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?
The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.
Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.
Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.
A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.
Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.
An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.
In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".
It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.
An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.
But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.
"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.
"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the community."
Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.
She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption 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.
"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."
A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.
They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.
"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."
Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.
She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.
"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."
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