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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built 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 £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."