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Problems started about two weeks ago when complaints were made about an "incessant drone" coming from the P&O Pride of Burgundy ferry, which normally serves the Dover-Calais route but is currently mothballed in the Forth amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some locals claimed they were forced to switch bedrooms and buy expensive sound-cancelling headphones to get a proper night's sleep.

'Incessant drone' from P&O ferry engines causing sleepless nights for worn out L...

One of the P&O ferries docked at the Western Harbour.

The ship's engines were kept running for power on board as it takes time to switch the vessel over to an onshore generator, although it is thought this process was completed several days ago.

But it is understood a “technical issue” on Tuesday night led to the engines being turned on again.

The engine noise led to further complaints, including reports on social media of the sound being "like a helicopter" which could be heard from Brunswick Road and Ferry Road.

A Forth Ports spokesperson (owners of the Port of Leith) said: “There was an unexpected need for the ferry vessel berthed near Western Harbour to reactivate its engines on Tuesday night to provide sufficient power on board.

"The issue that arose has been resolved and the ship has switched its engines off and returned to generator power. We do not anticipate the engines being switched on again and thank the local community for their patience.”

The Pride of Burgundy is one of two P&O ferries currently berthed at the port during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries said: “We have taken decisions to address and reduce the level of noise caused by our ships and are monitoring the situation closely.”

Details on how long the ships will be docked there remain unclear.

Leith residents assured noise from P&O ferry engines should not return after 'unexpected' issue on Tuesday night