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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Restoration efforts started 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

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain 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 firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."