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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, 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 funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began 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 significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."