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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated 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 first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" 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 design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."