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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."