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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

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

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."