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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."