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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."