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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."