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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands 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 shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long 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 Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in 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 experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."