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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."