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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

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

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."