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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."