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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."