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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."