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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, 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 "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."