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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."