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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old 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.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."