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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."