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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."