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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."