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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

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

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."