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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."