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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."