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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director 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 involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."