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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway shortly 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 corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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 streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."