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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director 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 working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."