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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands 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 the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."