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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."