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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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 taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."