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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."