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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections 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 shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."