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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."