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

For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."