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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

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

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"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 Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."