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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began 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.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion 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 another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."