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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."