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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade 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 "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."