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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

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

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."