Persistent flooding has created frustration for an optical practice in Scotland and sent its insurance premium soaring.
Flash floods of the basement of The Opticians at Marchmont, Edinburgh, have cost the practice £9,000 since June, including damage to furniture and carpets.
'It is frustrating because every time there is rain all I think about is if the basement is going to flood,' said practice partner Steven Hislop.
The Opticians at Marchmont has been leasing the premises on Warrender Park Road for the past four years.
Since moving in, the practice's partners decided to redecorate the basement area for functions. The area has exposed brick walls and was fitted with retro furniture and fittings to host high-end sunglass and sports vision events to promote brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley.
'It was an ideal place to hold events,' said Hislop. 'We are not your usual optical practice and like to be a bit different by hosting events and putting forward new styles and ideas.'
He said the issue was caused by a storm drain backing up, but that Scottish Water had been slow to rectify the problem by fitting a pump.
'It's a bit like banging your head against a brick wall at the moment,' he said. 'They've known about it for long enough and not done anything.'
The practice was reluctant to fit its own valve in case this led to increased flooding of neighbouring businesses also affected of late.
Hislop, a former professional footballer, was hopeful that support from politicians and coverage in the local press would help push the repair works through early next year.
'Our insurers are behind us and so is the local MP,' he added.