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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location 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 home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."