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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" 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, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."